Novena to St. Anthony of Padua

Day 4

10 min

Sign of the Cross

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

In nómine Patris, et Fílii, et Spíritus Sancti. Amen.

Novena to St. Anthony of Padua

Opening prayer:

O God, You gave us St. Anthony of Padua as a tireless preacher of the Gospel and a friend of the poor, into whose arms You laid the Christ-Child Himself. Hear the prayers he brings before Your throne on our behalf. Through his intercession, kindle in us a living faith, a burning charity, and unshakable trust in Your providence, so that, seeking first Your Kingdom, we may one day rejoice with him in glory. Amen.

Read the meditation, pray the prayer of the day, and offer your intention.

Day 4: The hidden gift revealed

At an ordination in Forlì, when no one was ready to preach, Anthony was asked at the last moment to speak. His eloquence and depth astonished all who heard him, and his hidden gift was revealed. News reached St. Francis himself, who set Anthony over the friars' studies. God exalts the humble in His own time and turns reluctance into a fountain of grace.

St. Anthony, whom God lifted from obscurity to set on the lampstand, free me from the fear that buries the gifts entrusted to me. Grant me humility to seek only God's glory and courage to serve when I am called, so that whatever I do may give light to others. Amen.

Today's intention:

For the courage to use our God-given gifts in His service, never for vanity but for His glory.

Pray one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be.

Our Father

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

and forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

Amen.

Pater noster, qui es in cælis,

sanctificétur nomen tuum.

Advéniat regnum tuum.

Fiat volúntas tua, sicut in cælo et in terra.

Panem nostrum quotidiánum da nobis hódie,

et dimítte nobis débita nostra,

sicut et nos dimíttimus debitóribus nostris.

Et ne nos indúcas in tentatiónem,

sed líbera nos a malo.

Amen.

Hail Mary

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.

Blessed art thou amongst women,

and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother of God,

pray for us sinners,

now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

Ave María, grátia plena, Dóminus tecum.

Benedícta tu in muliéribus,

et benedíctus fructus ventris tui, Iesus.

Sancta María, Mater Dei,

ora pro nobis peccatóribus,

nunc et in hora mortis nostræ.

Amen.

Glory Be

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,

world without end.

Amen.

Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.

Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper,

et in sǽcula sæculórum.

Amen.

Closing prayer — the Miraculous Responsory of St. Anthony ("Si quaeris miracula"):

If, then, you ask for miracles, death, error, all calamities, leprosy and demons fly, and health succeeds infirmities. The sea obeys, and fetters break, and lifeless limbs you do restore; while treasures lost are found again, when young and old your aid implore. All dangers vanish at your prayer, and direst need does quickly flee; let those who know your power proclaim — let Paduans say — these are of thee. Pray for us, O blessed Anthony, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Amen.

Sign of the Cross

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

In nómine Patris, et Fílii, et Spíritus Sancti. Amen.