St Anthony is perhaps the most popular of all the saints within the liturgical calendar. He is the one we turn to when we’ve lost something—and he always comes up trumps. He’s the one we can turn to when we have also lost our way a little bit in life. When we are not sure which path to choose, St Anthony will be our guide to lead us to Christ.
There is a lovely tradition of blessing lilies on his Feast Day—13th June. Even in lockdown it is good that we keep up our traditions. Lilies will be blessed at Mass on the 13th June using the following prayer.
O God, Who art the Creator and Preserver of all mankind, the Lover of spotless purity, the Giver of all grace and everlasting life, sanctify by Thy holy benediction these lilies, which in thanksgiving, and in honour of St. Anthony, Thy Confessor, we present for Thy blessing. Pour down upon them, by the sacred sign of the holy Cross, Thy heavenly dew, Thou Who didst so kindly create them to gladden man by their beauty and fragrance; enrich them with such power, that to whatsoever disease they may be applied, or in whatsoever home they may be kept, or on whatsoever person they may be borne with devotion, through the intercession of Thy servant, Anthony, they may cure every sickness, repel the attacks of Satan, preserve holy chastity, and bring peace and grace to all who serve Thee. Through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
