JUNE 13 | LOSING (AND FINDING) JESUS

Saint Anthony of Padua
A.D. 1195–1231

If you’ve ever lost your car keys or wallet, there’s a good chance you’ve prayed to this saint.

His name is Saint Anthony of Padua. But his life was not dedicated to helping people find lost items. It was dedicated to helping lost people find Jesus.

Anthony was born in Lisbon, Portugal, but his desire to meet Saint Francis of Assisi and join his order brought him to Italy. Once a Franciscan, Anthony went about serving the poor and sick. He cared first for their physical needs. Then he would remind them that Jesus too had no possessions, and he would begin to preach the Gospel.

Anthony is also an official Doctor of the Church—meaning his intellectual insights have greatly informed our understanding of theology. But one of his most meaningful contributions was to make the complex theology of the Scriptures accessible to the common people. He used simple, relatable analogies to explain the teachings of Jesus. Using this approach, Anthony brought a remarkable number of lost people back to Jesus.

At this point, you might be asking, “So why is he the patron saint of lost things?”

This is the story: Anthony had a book of psalms that he absolutely loved. One day, a monk stole the book and left the Franciscan community. Anthony prayed with all his might for its return, and soon the monk was struck by immense guilt and brought the book back.

Soon after Saint Anthony of Padua’s death, people began praying to him whenever they deeply desired the return of a lost item. And this devotion broadened over the centuries.

But the greater lesson of Saint Anthony’s life is that he helped lost people find Jesus. And that is what we are called to do as well, even if it is helping ourselves find Jesus after we have lost him.

We lose Jesus in our lives all the time. We wander away from Jesus all the time. We're either not even aware of it, or we do it on purpose.

Our task then is to find Jesus again. He is always waiting for us to return. All we have to do is say, “Jesus, here I am, and I need you.” We can go to a church. We can talk to a priest. Or we can call up a trusted friend who is firm in their faith.

And if we need that extra bit of help, we can turn to Saint Anthony of Padua.

Saint Anthony, pray for us!

📢DIGNITY NOT DETENTION - 2 DAYS TO GO!

Justice & Peace Scotland President, Archbishop William Nolan, will lead us in reflection at Sunday's Dignity Not Detention gathering outside Dungavel House in Strathaven.

📍 Dungavel House, ML10 6RF
🕐1pm
🪧 Join us to advocate for an end to indefinite immigration detention.

❗NEXT WEEK: The second gathering of the new Motherwell Diocese Justice and Peace Commission.

We have been delighted to support parishioners across the Diocese of Motherwell as they work to re-establish the diocese’s long tradition of justice and peace activity and advocacy. Following a successful and enthusiastic first gathering, a second meeting will take place next week. All those across the diocese who are interested in being part of this renewed network are warmly encouraged to attend. Even if you weren't at the first event you are more than welcome to come along!

🗓️ Thursday 19th June
⛪ Holy Mass in Our Lady of Good Aid Cathedral at 7pm
🕊️ Justice and Peace Gathering in the Diocesan Offices, Coursington Road, Motherwell at 7.30pm
📧For more info contact Paul Foley on paulfoley@rcdom.org.uk

https://www.christian.org.uk/news/both-lives-matter-mps-told-in-abortion-decriminalisation-debate/


MPs have spoken in defence of the unborn and the welfare of expectant mothers in Parliament.

Congratulations to Canon Patrick O’Sullivan, a retired priest of the Diocese, who is celebrating the 70th Anniversary of his Ordination to the Priesthood at this time.

Canon O’Sullivan was ordained in 1955 and served as an Assistant Priest at St Peter’s Hamilton, All Saints Coatdyke and St Mary’s Whifflet and as Parish Priest of St John Ogilvie’s Blantyre and St Andrew’s Airdrie from where he retired in 2008. Following his retirement Canon lived for many years in St Mary’s Whifflet before moving to Summerlee Care Home.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Canon O’Sullivan as he reaches this special anniversary. We give thanks for his priestly ministry and ask for God’s blessing upon him.