Pilgrimage with St. Anthony of Padua: Patron Saint of Lost Things

If you or a family member is struggling with despair or doubt, St. Anthony of Padua is a profound intercessor to accompany you in this difficulty.

In his lifetime, he was known to speak of the peace of Christ to all those who turned to him for advice. There is a recorded instance in The Book on St. Anthony’s Miracles by the Franciscan friar, Arnaldo de Serrano (1370), that entails St. Anthony healing a man with mental illness during one of his sermons, simply by letting the man hold the knotted cord he wore. Jesus delights to work miracles and healings through his saints like St. Anthony to remind us of the power of intercession. The Lord is still working wonders through St. Anthony of Padua, so much more than just finding your car keys.

Christ desires healing for you too. He loves to remind us of the reality of miracles that still happen today! Perhaps reading about the life of St. Anthony of Padua can become a balm for your heart in seasons of suffering. Some might even be called to pilgrimage to the sites connected to this compassionate saint.

If you feel a tug to embark on a pilgrimage with St. Anthony, Italy, Portugal, Bosnia, and Herzegovina offer incredibly meaningful opportunities to do. Perhaps you already have a trip planned; if you are traveling to Rome, Fatima, or Medjugorje, it is worth considering a stop at one of these Franciscan shrines.

Places to Pilgrimage with St. Anthony

PADUA, ITALY

Many pilgrims flock to visit the Basilica di Sant'Antonio where St. Anthony’s body is laid to rest. Pilgrims can also venerate his tattered gray habit that has been preserved over the years. Additionally, there are the first-class relics of his jawbone and incorrupt tongue which highlight the work of God through his preaching.

Devotees may even consider participating om the Way of Saint Anthony that traditionally takes place on his feast day, June 13th. Walk the trail of his final journey, a 15.5 mile walk from Camposampiero to Padua. The Antonian Sanctuaries of Camposampiero which includes the St. Anthony’s place of retreat and the site that the Christ Child appeared to him.

LISBON, PORTUGAL

The Church of St. Anthony is built upon his birthplace. In the church is the “Miracle Picture” of St. Anthony, a painting that is considered to be a true likeness of him, called the “true effigy of the Saint.”

HUMAC, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

The St. Anthony Shrine in a Franciscan monastery (20-minutes outside of Medjugorje) is the starting point for thousands of pilgrims on June 24th as they travel on foot to Medjugorje and pray for peace in the world.