Lives of the Saints, by Alban Butler, Benziger Bros. ed. 1894

December 28.—THE HOLY INNOCENTS.
HEROD, who was reigning in Judea at the time of the birth of Our Saviour, having heard that the Wise Men had come from the East to Jerusalem in search of the King of the Jews, was troubled. He called together the chief priests, and learning that Christ was to be born in Bethlehem, he told the Wise Men: "When you have found Him, bring me word again, that I also may come and adore Him." But God having warned them in a dream not to return, they went back to their homes another way. St. Joseph, too, was ordered in his sleep to "take the Child and His Mother and fly into Egypt." When Herod found that the Wise Men did not return, he was furious, and ordered that every male child in Bethlehem and its vicinity of the age of two and under should be slain. These innocent victims were the flowers and the first-fruits of His martyrs, and triumphed over the world, without having ever known it or experienced its dangers.

Reflection.—How few perhaps of these children, if they had lived, would have escaped the dangers of the world! What snares, what sins, what miseries were they preserved from! So we often lament as misfortunes many accidents which in the designs of Heaven are the greatest mercies.

In honour of the Holy Innocents we have a few books to give a way today that are about the great St. Anthony who held the most perfect Holy Innocent in is arms, none other than our Infant Lord.

Enter below to win one of the following: The Legend of St. Anthony, the fishes and the Mule Coloring book & The Children's Saint Anthony. Find a review of the books HERE.

A week ago on June 13th we celebrated the feast day of Saint Anthony and in his honor we hosted a book give away of some wonderful titles printed by Refuge of Sinners Publishing.

In a bit we will get to the winners of the drawing for those 13 wonderful titles!

Our little family had a wonderful feast day, the sun was out and everything was bright and beautiful! Our lilies even decided to bloom on that day!

Saint Anthony is famous for many miracles but especially two in particular. One of those is when the people of the town would not listen to his preaching and so he went to preach to some one that would listen. The fish from the sea came to hear the word of God and amazed the towns people.

In memory of that miracle we made fish cupcakes. The boys had fun sorting the candies out so all the different colors were in their own cup. Then they had fun seeing how many they could fit on the fins ;)

Along with our fishy dessert we had a little tea party with my mom. We had some more fishy fare including cheesy fish crackers with St. Anthony preaching to the fish. And what the boys called the 'sharks' which were just bigger fish made from pretzels, cream cheese, an apricot and a mini chocolate chip. Find the recipe here.

Along with our fish treats we had tortilla sandwiches with herbed cream cheese that were made in the shape of lilies. They were rather yummy treats!

For games and activities we did the St. Anthony word search, St. Anthony Maze and we played pin the tale on Saint Anthony's donkey. It was a memorable day!

What a wonderful feast day it is! Don't miss our give away on our previous post :) Here are a few more things to use on this feast day and help spread the devotion to St. Anthony.

St. Anthony Feast Day Word Search

Saint Anthony Maze

Saint Anthony Prayer Cards

The Liturgical Year - Time After Pentecost Vol. III
By Dom Gueranger Imprimatur 1927

June 13- Saint Anthony of Padua - Confessor

Rejoice thee, happy Padua, rich in they priceless treasure! (Ant. to Benedictus for the feast in the Franciscan Breviary) Anthony, in bequeathing thee his body, has done more for the glory than the heroes who founded thee on so favoured a site, or the doctors who have illustrated thy famous university!

The days of Charlemagne were past and gone: yet the work of Leo III still lived on, despite a thousand difficulties. The enemy, now at large, had sown cockle in the field of the divine householder; heresy was springing up here and there, whilst vice was growing apace in every direction. In many an heroic combat, the Popes, aided by the monastic Order, had succeeded in casting disorder out of the sanctuary itself: still the people, too long scandalized by venal pastors, were fast slipping away from the Church. Who could rally them once more? Who wrest from Satan a reconquest of the world? At this trying moment the Spirit of Pentecost, ever living, ever present in holy Church, raised up the sons of St. Dominic and of St. Francis. The brave soldiers of this new militia, organized to meet fresh necessities, threw themselves into the field, pursuing heresy into its most secret lurking-holes, and thundering against vice in every shape and wheresoever found. In town or in country, they were everywhere to be seen confounding false teachers by the strong argument of miracle as well as of doctrine; mixing with the people, whom the sight of their heroic detachment easily won over to repentance. Crowds flocked to be enrolled in the Third Orders instituted by these two holy founders,to afford a secure refuge for the Christian life in the midst of the world.

The best known and most popular of all the sons of St. Francis is Anthony, whom we are celebrating this day. His life was short; at the age of thirty-five he took his flight to heaven. But a span so limited allowed, nevertheless, of a considerable portion of time being directed by our Lord to preparing this chosen servant for his destined ministry. The all-important thing in God's esteem, where there is question of fitting apostolic men to become instruments of salvation to a greater number of souls, is not the length of time which they may devote to exterior works, but rather the degree of personal sanctification attained by them, and the thoroughness of their self-abandonment to the ways of divine Providence. As to Antony, it may almost be said that, up to the last day of his life, eternal Wisdom seemed to take pleasure in disconcerting all his thoughts and plans. Out of his twenty years of religious life, he passed ten amongst the Canons Regular, whither the divine call had invited him at the age of fifteen, in the full bloom of his innocence; and there, wholly captivated  by the splendour of the liturgy, occupied in the sweet study of the Holy Scriptures and of the fathers, blissfully ever being wafted to sublime heights, where (so it seemed) he was always to remain, held and hidden in the secret of God's face. Suddenly, behold! the divine Spirit urges him to seek the martyr's crown: and presently he is seen emerging from his beloved monastery, and following the Friars Minor to the distant shores, where already some of their number had won the glorious palm. Not this, however, but the martyrdom of love, was to be his. Falling sick and reduced to impotence before his zeal could effect anything on the African soil, he was recalled by obedience to Spain, but was cast by a tempest on the Italian coast.

It happened that St. Francis was just then convoking his entire family, for the third time, in general chapter. Anthony, unknown, lost in this vast assembly, beheld at its close each of the friars in turn receive his appointed destination, whereas to him not a thought was given. What a sight! The scion of the illustrious family de Bouillon and of the kings of the Asturias completely overlooked in the throng of holy poverty's sons! At the moment of departure the Father Minister of the Bologna province, remarking the isolated condition of the young religious whom no one had received in charge, admitted him, out of charity, into his company. Accordingly, having reached the hermitage of Monte Paolo, Anthony was deputed to help in the kitchen and in the sweeping of the house, being supposed quite unfitted for anything else. Meanwhile, the Augustinian Cannons, on the contrary, were bitterly lamenting the loss of one whose remarkable learning and sanctity, far more even than his nobility, had, up to this, been the glory of their Order.

The hour at last came, chosen by Providence, to manifest Anthony to the world; and immediately, as was said of Christ himself, the whole world went after him. Around the pulpits were this humble friar preached there were wrought endless prodigies in the order of nature and of grace. AT Rome he earned the surname of 'ark of the covenant'; in France, that of 'hammer of heretics.' It would be impossible for us here to follow him throughout his luminous course; suffice it to say that France, as well as Italy, owes much to his zealous ministry.

St. Francis had yearned to be himself the bearer of the gospel of peace throughout the fair realm of France, then sorely raved by heresy; but in his stead, he sent thither Anthony, his well-beloved son, and, as it were, his living portrait. What St. Dominic had been in the first crusade against the Albigenses, Anthony was to the second. At Toulouse was wrought that wondrous miracle of the famished mule turning aside from proffered grain in order to prostate in homage before the sacred Host. From the province of Berry, his burning word was heard thundering in various distance provinces; whilst heaven lavished delicious favours on his soul, ever childlike amidst the marvelous victories achieved by him, and the intoxicating applause of an admiring crowd. Under the very eyes of his host, at a lonely house in Limousin, the Infant Jesus came to him radiant in beauty; and throwing himself into his arms, covered him with sweetest caresses, pressing the humble friar to lavish the like on him. One feast of the Assumption Anthony was sad, because a phrase  then to be found in the Office seemed to throw a shade of discredit on the fact of Mary's body being assumed into heaven together with her soul. Presently, the Mother of God herself came  to console her devoted servant, in his lowly cell, assuring him of the truth of the doctrine of her glorious Assumption; and so left him, ravished with the sweet charms of her countenance and the melodious sound of her voice. Suddenly, as he was preaching at Montpellier, in a church of that city thronged with people, Anthony remembered that he had been appointed to chant the Alleluia at the conventional Mass in his own convent, and he had quite forgotten to get his place supplied. Deeply pained at this involuntary omission, he bend his head upon his breast: whilst standing thus motionless and silent in the pulpit, as though asleep, his brethern saw him enter their choir, sing his versem and depart; at once his audience beheld him recover his animation, and continue his sermon with the same eloquence as before. In this same town of Montpellier another well-known incident occurred. When engaged in teaching a course of theology to his brethren, his commentary on the Psalms disappeared; but the theif was presently constrained, even by the fiend himself, to bring back the volume, the loss whereof had caused our saint so much regret. Such as commonly though to be the origin of the popular devotion, whereby a special prayer of recovering lost things is ascribed to St. Anthony.

However this may be, it is certian that,from the very outset, this devotion rests on the testimony of startling miracles of this kind,; and in our own day constantly repeated favours of a similar nature still confirm the same.

June 13th is the feast of Saint Anthony of Padua! Pope Leo XIII called him 'the saint of the world' and wished all to know about this great saint! I have included his story below as well as some crafts, recipes, and books to commemorate the day.

The crafts and recipes pertain to symbols of St. Anthony or having to do with stories that he is famous for. The two most famous being his preaching to the multitude of fish and the story of the donkey adoring Our Lord in the most Blessed Eucharist. St. Anthony is also known for the number 13 (his feast day!), giving of bread, finding lost objects and safe guarding mail (S.A.G. Saint Anthony Guide!)

He is among our favorite Saints in our household and has a special place in my heart. If you keep reading there is a little treat too! God bless! May Saint Anthony guide your family to eternal happiness!



Lives of the Saints, by Alban Butler, Benziger Bros. ed. 1894

June 13.—ST. ANTONY OF PADUA. IN 1221 St. Francis held a general chapter at Assisi; when the others dispersed, there lingered behind, unknown and neglected, a poor Portuguese friar, resolved to ask for and to refuse nothing. Nine months later, Fra Antonio rose under obedience to preach to the religious assembled at Forli, when, as the discourse proceeded, "the Hammer of Heretics," "the Ark of the Testament," "the eldest son of St. Francis," stood revealed in all his sanctity, learning, and eloquence before his rapt and astonished brethren. Devoted from earliest youth to prayer and study among the Canons Regular, Ferdinand de Bulloens, as his name was in the world, had been stirred, by the spirit and example of the first five Franciscan martyrs, to put on their habit and preach the Faith to the Moors in Africa. Denied a martyr's palm, and enfeebled by sickness, at the age of twenty-seven he was taking silent but merciless revenge upon himself in the humblest offices of his community. From this obscurity he was now called forth, and for nine years France, Italy, and Sicily heard his voice, saw his miracles, and men's hearts turned to God. One night, when St. Antony was staying with a friend in the city of Padua, his host saw brilliant rays streaming under the door of the Saint's room, and on looking through the keyhole he beheld a little Child of marvellous beauty standing upon a book which lay open upon the table, and clinging with both arms round Antony's neck. With an ineffable sweetness he watched the tender caresses of the Saint and his wondrous Visitor. At last the Child vanished, and Fra Antonio, opening the door, charged his friend, by the love of Him Whom he had seen, to "tell the vision to no man" as long as he was alive. Suddenly, in 1231, our Saint's brief apostolate was closed, and the voices of children were heard crying along the streets of Padua, "Our father, St. Antony, is dead." The following year, the church-bells of Lisbon rang without ringers, while at Rome one of its sons was inscribed among the Saints of God.

Reflection.—Let us love to pray and labor unseen, and cherish in the secret of our hearts the graces of God and the growth of our immortal souls. Like St. Antony, let us attend to this, and leave the rest to God.

Thank you to Refuge of Sinners Publishing for printing these wonderful books! They are true treasures!!! To enter to win one of the 13 books please leave a comment on this post along with the book you would prefer should your name get drawn. Entries will be accepted from today (Tuesday the 12th until Tuesday the 19th 12 p.m. PST. Tuesday is Saint Anthony's day of the week!) If you would also bless the others you know and share this give away with them we can work together to spread the devotion of Saint Anthony! Have a most blessed feast day!

The Legend of Saint Anthony the Fishes and the Mule; A book for little Catholics to Color and keep. Available from Refuges of Sinners Publishing; Please see their printed catalog for ordering details.
We are giving away 4 copies!

The Children's Saint Anthony Story by Catherine Beebe, pictures by Robb Beebe. Originally printed in 1939, Cum permissu Superiorum. To the Boys and Girls of today who would learn the secret of True Greatness from a Boy of long ago. 12 chapters with 13 illustrations. 79 page booklet. 5.5”x8”.

We are giving away 5 copies!

St. Anthony's Treasury; A Manual of Devotions in Honor of St. Anthony.  From the Refuge of Sinners Publishing site: Compiled from approved sources. “Make him loved!” The inspired command of the illustrious Pontiff was heard not only by his Paduan visitor, but by lovers of St. Anthony everywhere. Desirous of assisting in such a glorious undertaking, the compilers of Saint Anthony’s Treasury have selected a number of beautiful devotions and prayers, gathered from every available source, for this little book. We believe it is indeed a “Treasury,” containing as it does a series of each form of prayer, so that you may find within its covers the particular devotion which will bring you closer to our beloved Saint and Wonder-worker. We are grateful to be able to offer this book. We have never seen anything to compare.
Impr 1928. 367 page book, 3”x 4.5”

We are giving away 2 copies!

Saint Anthony the Wonder Worker Booklet; Pope Leo XIII styles St. Anthony of Padua "The saint of the whole world." He possesses enthusiastic friends, devoted disciples and zealous clients among people of all nations. Few saints have wrought as many miracles during life and after death as St. Anthony. On the day of his burial, which was a Tuesday, all the sick who approached his holy remains were cured of their ailments. It is the will of God that we not only invoke the aid of St. Anthony, but that we likewise strive to conform our lives to his sublime example. Impr 1953. 64 page booklet. We are giving away 2 copies!