O Holy St Anthony, the gentlest and kindest of Saints, your burning love of God,
your exalted virtue, and your great charity towards your fellow creatures, made
you worthy, when on earth to possess miraculous powers such as were given to no
other saint. Miracle waited on your word, and that word you were ever ready to speak
at the request of those in trouble. The anxious prayer of bitter trial was never
addressed to you in vain. To the sick you gave back health; you restored what was
lost; the sorrow stricken were the objects of your tender compassion; even the dead
you raised to life when the wounded heart cried out to you from the depths of its
bitter anguish. When on earth nothing was impossible with you, except not to have
compassion on those in distress and sorrow.
Encouraged by this thought, and convinced of the efficacy of your holy intercession,
we kneel before your holy image, and full of confidence, we implore you to obtain
for us (here mention your request). The answer to this our prayer may require a
miracle. Even so, are you not the Saint of Miracles, who, when on earth, had but
to speak the mightiest wonders were wrought! O gentle and loving St Anthony, you
whose heart was ever full of human sympathy, whispers our prayer into the ears of
the Infant Jesus, who loved to linger in your arms. One word from you and our prayer
will be granted. O, speak but that word and the gratitude of our heart will ever
be yours! Amen. Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory be.