Education in Faith
On Tuesday the 13th of June we celebrate the Feast Day of St Anthony of Padua as both a School and Parish community. As we say to the students, for our school to be named after this person they must have been pretty special! Students this week have been reading and thinking about all things St Anthony in preparation for prayer and celebration next week.
St Anthony of Padua
St Anthony was born in Portugal in 1195, and his original name was Fernando. He was born into a family of wealth but decided to persue a priesthood when he was 15 years old. He eventually met Franciscans who inspired him to joint their order, leading to him changing his name to Anthony.
Anthony travelled to Morocco to teach and spread the good word. He eventually fell very ill and tried to travel back to his homeland of Portugal, but ended up in Italy instead. This is where Anthony spent the remainder of his life until his death at the age of 35, a time where he even had an audience with the Pope.
Anthony was known as a gifted speaker and teacher who was able to inspire people with his homilies and speeches. In his life he was said to be witness to many miracles, which meant he was canonised as a Saint only a short year after his death, a process which can sometimes take an extremely long about of time.
What is Lost
St Anthony is the Patron Saint of Lost Items. The story goes that while studying to become a priest a fellow student decided to leave the order, taking with him Anthony's favourite Bible. This also included Anthony's notes and lessons, so he was very upset, praying for the books return. Days later the other man brought it back to him and apologised, also deciding to stay and restart his studies.
For this reason it is said we can pray to St Anthony for lost items, including remote controls, car keys and paperwork! Not only this, but we can pray for those who are lost, like the other student in the story. We can pray for those who are confused, sad, lonely and needing guidance.
The Symbols of St Anthony
St Anthony is often pictured in the same way, whether that be in paintings or statues. He carries with him the symbols that reflect his life and ministry.
The Robes represent St Anthony as a Franciscan monk as well as him leaving his wealthy roots to live a life of humility. The Book or Bible that St Anthony carries represents his role as a teacher, but also the story of lost items as described above. The Lilies show the purity of St Anthony, and the pleasant smell the solace that God can offer us even among difficult times. Finally the Christ Child represents again Anthony's calling as a teacher and guider of others, including children, but also his deep commitment to the Lord.
A Prayer for St Anthony
Saint Anthony, perfect follower of Jesus, who received from God the special power of restoring lost things. Grant that I may find which has been lost. At least restore to me peace and tranquility of mind, the loss of which afflicts me more than any material loss.
To this favour I ask another of you that I may always remain in possession of the true good that is God. Let me rather lose all things than lose God, my supreme good. Let me never suffer the loss of my greatest treasure, eternal life with God. Amen.
In Celebration and Prayer
There will be two main Parish Masses in the coming days to celebrate the Feast of St Anthony and all parents are most welcome and encouraged to attend.
Sunday the 11th of June will be the Parish Mass hosted by Father Leenus at 11.00am.
Tuesday the 13th of June on the actual feast, the entire school will head to Mass at 9.15a to be hosted by Father Pat Jackson. This Mass will be held in collaboration with the Parish with some of our Year Six Leaders completing readings.
Demonstrating our Understanding
As aforementioned students have been busy reflecting and learning new information about the life of St Anthony. Each class in the school has produced beautiful representations of all this hard work!
These work samples adorn the church walls and will help further accentuate the specialness of this celebration. If you are able to attend either Mass please take the time to browse and see the words and carefully crafted work of our students.
May St Anthony guide us all.
Tim O'Mahoney
Education in Faith Leader