The Miraculous Responsory of Saint Anthony

Pray to Saint Anthony of Padua

I just spoke to someone in great distress who, having lost something of value while traveling, asked me to pray to Saint Anthony for him. I said the so–called miraculous responsory and would ask my dear readers to take a few moments to do the same. I hereby promise to publish the requested favour when Saint Anthony grants it.

Si quaeris miracula is the final responsory at Matins of the Franciscan Office of Saint Anthony of Padua, the wonder–worker dear to the Catholic faithful everywhere. It is traditionally known as the “miraculous” responsory, from the once-common custom of reciting it to ask for St. Anthony’s miraculous intervention.

V. If, then, thou seekest miracles,
Death, error, all calamities,
The leprosy and demons flee,
The sick, by him made whole, arise.

R. The sea withdraws and fetters break,
And withered limbs he doth restore,
While treasures lost are found again,
When young or old his help implore.

V. All dangers vanish from our path,
Our direst needs do quickly flee:
Let those who know repeat the theme:
Let Paduans praise St. Anthony.

R. The sea withdraws and fetters break,
And withered limbs he doth restore,
While treasures lost are found again,
When young or old his help implore.

V. To the Father and the Son let glory be,
And Holy Ghost eternally.

R. The sea withdraws and fetters break,
And withered limbs he doth restore,
While treasures lost are found again,
When young or old his help implore.

V. Pray for us, O blessed Anthony,
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray:

Let Thy Church, O God, be gladdened
by the pious invocation of blessed Anthony Thy Confessor:
that she may be evermore defended by Thy spiritual assistance
and merit to possess everlasting joy.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.