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Rosary & Mercy

The Prayer to St. Anthony

Updated October 15, 2026

Holy St. Anthony, gentlest of saints, your love for God and charity for His creatures made you worthy, when on earth, to possess miraculous powers. Miracles waited on your word, which you were ever ready to speak for those in trouble or anxiety.

Encouraged by this thought, I implore you to obtain for me (state your request). The answer to my prayer may require a miracle; even so, you are the saint of miracles.

O gentle and loving St. Anthony, whose heart was always full of human sympathy, whisper my petition into the ears of the sweet Infant Jesus, who loved to be held in your arms; and the gratitude of my heart will ever be yours. Amen.

Traditional public-domain prayer. Add your request where indicated.

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Key takeaways

  • St. Anthony of Padua (1195-1231) is the patron saint of lost things.
  • The tradition began with a stolen psalter that was returned.
  • His feast day is June 13.

What is the Prayer to St. Anthony?

St. Anthony of Padua was a Franciscan preacher and teacher, declared a Doctor of the Church in 1946. He is the patron of lost things because of an old story in which a novice who took his psalter returned it after Anthony prayed. Catholics ask his help for lost keys, documents and also for lost faith.

When to pray it

Catholics pray to him when they cannot find something, or when they feel spiritually lost. June 13 is his feast, and Tuesday is a traditional day for devotion to him.

Questions people ask

What is the "Tony, Tony" rhyme?

It is a popular folk saying, "Tony, Tony, look around, something is lost and must be found." It is a folk custom, not an official prayer of the Church.

What is St. Anthony's Bread?

A custom of giving bread or money to the poor in thanksgiving for his help, a tradition that began in Toulon, France in 1890.

Is St. Anthony a Doctor of the Church?

Yes. Pope Pius XII named him Doctor of the Church in 1946, with the title "Evangelical Doctor."

Related prayers

Prayer to St. JudeSt.Prayer to St. JosephThis prayer, "To thee, O blessed Joseph," was recommended by Pope Leo XIII in 1889 to be said after the Rosary during October.MemorareThe Memorare is a short, direct prayer asking for Mary's help.Guardian Angel PrayerThe Angel of God prayer asks your guardian angel for light and guidance.

Pray through what you are reading, every day, with a gentle reminder.

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Sources: Catechism of the Catholic Church 828, 956, 2683-2684 · USCCB · Franciscan Media