DEVOTION TO SAINT ANTHONY OF PADUA
MIRACLE OF SAINT ANTHONY
One miracle that is attributed to Saint Anthony during his lifetime was described as follows:
A certain inhabitant of Padua, called Peter, had a daughter whose name was Padovana. Although she was four years old, she was absolutely incapable of using her feet and moved like a reptile, crawling with the help of her hands.
Furthermore, it was said that, since she suffered from epilepsy, she would often fall and roll around. When Saint Anthony was still alive, her father, as he carried her in his arms while walking through the city one day, met the saint and began to beg him to make the sign of the cross over his daughter.
The saintly father, admiring the man's faith, blessed her and sent her away. When the girl's father returned home, he made his daughter stand up on her feet. Supported by a footstool, she immediately began to walk about. Then, having taken away the footstool, her father gave her a cane. Indeed, walking about in the house, the girl always improved.
At last, through the merits of most blessed Anthony, she healed completely and did not need any prop whatsoever. And, from that moment when she was blessed, she no longer suffered any illness or even the least falling sickness.
PRAYER TO ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA
O wonderful St. Anthony, glorious on account of the fame of thy miracles, and through the condescension of Jesus in coming in the form of a little child to rest in thine arms, obtain for me of His bounty the grace which I ardently desire from the depths of my heart . . . . Thou who were so compassionate toward miserable sinners, regard not the unworthiness of those who pray to thee, but the glory of God that it may once again be magnified by the granting of the particular request . . . . which I now ask for with persevering earnestness.
Amen.
One Our Father, One Hail Mary, and Glory Be to the Father, in honor of Saint Anthony.
