Words of the Saints to Ponder While Journeying Toward Bethlehem
St. Anthony of Padua (1195 – 1231)
Born: Lisbon, Portugal
Franciscan Preach, Teacher, Ark of the Testament” and “Repository of Holy Scripture.”
Feast Day: June 13th
Patron Saint of: Lost and Stolen Articles, Sailors and Fishermen
“O Father, in your Truth (that is to say, in your Son, humbled, needy and homeless) you have humbled me. He was humbled in the womb of the Virgin, needy in the manger of the sheep, and homeless on the wood of the Cross. Nothing so humbles the proud sinner as the humility of Jesus Christ’s humanity.”
Prayer: Dear Lord Christ, You came into this world so meek and mild. Your first home, the humble stable, your first bed the wooden manger, your first victors the lowly shepherds. You left your Heavenly home behind to come to me in my humanity. Why, Lord, I can’t not fathom your love for me. Beloved Christmas Miracle, save me, I wait and long for your coming.
Music:
The Redeemer of the Nations Come
How bright Thy lowly manger beams!
Down earth’s dark vale its glory streams,
The splendor of Thy natal night
Shines through all Time in deathless light.
Words That Sing 