Anthony of Padua ~ Who Helps Us To Find Our Way

The last time this garden statue of Saint Anthony was shared here was December 30, 2016. He and the Christ Child of his vision were covered in fresh snow then. This picture was taken on a gloomy summer morning after some night rain. A lot of people are feeling gloomy these days. We might ask Anthony to help us find our way through it. He is, after all, the finder saint. 

Anthony, may we find our way to the clean heart of the Gospel.
Anthony, may we find our way to the 70 X 7 times of the Lord's forgiveness.
Anthony, may we find our way to light out of this darkness.
Anthony, may we find our way to the healing of the nation's hate-wound.

Anthony, where we need to find peace again.
Anthony, where families are stressed by troubles.
Anthony, where old resentments still fester.
Anthony, where inner growth is arrested.

Anthony, may we discover Christ in some new way.
Anthony, may we experience solidarity, humility and joy.
Anthony, increase mutual respect in us.
Anthony, enlarge human hearts.

Anthony, calm the critical spirit.
Anthony, soften our resistance.
Anthony, turn the grumbling into grateful praises.
Anthony, we need wisdom from above. 

Nothing Unnoticed

There was snow here last night and while shoveling the walk around the chapel I found St. Anthony and the Holy Child of his vision, piled up with snow. It's just a cement garden statue but still detailed enough for us to notice Anthony is smiling and the Child holds on tight. Snow covers Jesus' lap and seems to form a mantle around their shoulders. Both wear high snow-hats. 

Maybe the snow is a lovely image of God covering us: in forgiveness, in mercy, in protection, in love. So here's  a little garden statue tucked away in the winter and made even sweeter with this snow. To God, nothing is un-noticed; no one forgotten.