Pope Pius XII recommended that we go to St. Anthony, not just for favors, but to learn the path of holiness of life. St. Anthony modeled the great teaching found in the Book of Wisdom: Devotion to God is mightier than all else.There has always been a real power in St. Anthony’s intercession. Thousands come and pray before his statue. Many seek help from pain and suffering that has challenged their faith in God. Some call on him who are in deep depression, even bordering on despair. While St. Anthony does not always remove their pain and suffering, he has helped them to bear their cross as Jesus did, with courage, patience and firm conviction that God loves them despite His permitting them to suffer.
St. Anthony helped them to understand the great truth taught by St. Paul: “Jesus learned obedience to the Divine Will and came to realize his own perfection through the things that he suffered.”
St. Anthony gives us hope when things appear hopeless. While there is probably much to be said for the song, “I did it my way,” St. Anthony’s life was a different song: “I did it God’s way.”
