These days, practically every household has at least one pet. As members of the family, we care for them and make sure they're happy and well.
That's why today we're going to write about the Prayers to Saint Anthony the Abbot , and a little about him, the protector of animals.
Saint Anthony of Abad
Saint Anthony the Abbot (also known as Saint Anthony the Great) was a Catholic Christian monk who founded the eremitic movement. His life is described in the work of Saint Athanasius and tells of a man who grew ever holier and became a prime example of Christian piety and a fundamental reference point for Catholic spiritual and contemplative asceticism. Anthony the Abbot died on January 17, 356, on Mount Colzim in Thebaid, Egypt (or Heracleopolis Magna, Roman Empire). He was born on January 12, 251, in Egypt, in what is now the city of Alexandria.
Why is the pattern of animals?
According to Christian writings, as Saint Jerome recounts in his book about Paul the Hermit (a famous anchorite of the Thebaid), Anthony visited Paul in his later years and encouraged him to embrace a monastic life. When Anthony arrived, the raven that was said to bring Paul a loaf of bread each day welcomed him with two loaves . When Paul died, Anthony enlisted the help of two lions and other animals to bury him. Since then, Anthony has been the patron saint of farmers and animals.
Another anecdote they tell is that on one occasion, a sow was carrying two blind piglets in distress. Anthony cured the animals' blindness, and from then on, their mother never left his side, protecting him from any dangerous animal that might approach . That is why the image of Saint Anthony depicts him with a pig in a submissive position.
Prayer to Saint Anthony the Abbot
The prayer may vary depending on the country from which the supplication to Saint Anthony is made. However, here is the one that is most commonly used globally:
Heavenly Lord, Creator Father of all things,
today I want to ask for your mercy and compassion for my pet,
and through the mediation of Saint Anthony the Abbot,
also called Saint Anton, the great protector of animals,
how much love these creatures had,
I beg you never to leave him
grant him health, that he does not suffer or suffer,
that he is not sad, that he does not lack strength
do not feel pain or anguish,
do not feel alone
and always have someone by your side who cares for you with love.By the power of Your love,
allow… (pet's name)
live happy and healthy,
May I have everything you need according to Your desire.Take care of it and protect it,
that he does not lack food, bed and rest,
that does not lack friends, love and respect,
put your hand on him if he falls ill,
do not allow anything or anyone to harm you,
nor is it lost or stolen,
I love him as one more member of the family
and I will always be by your side
giving you all my love and meeting your needs.I ask for your special blessing and help
right now that ... (pet's name)
needs so much from you,
(ask for health, or theft, or loss, protection, problems ...):(to make the request).
Lord, I also pray that,
through the intercession of Saint Anthony the Abbot,
have mercy on men who out of ignorance
they mistreat animals,
teach them to love them as your creatures.Lord, have mercy on domestic animals,
that are so often given up and abandoned,
without any defense,
to indifference and human cruelty:
do not leave them alone with their sorrows.Lord God have mercy on the animals
like the lion, the tiger, the monkey, the elephant
and other species that are caught
to be taken to circuses or zoos:
give all of them a safe haven in their habitat.Lord have mercy on the farm animals
that grow inside inhospitable habitats,
as well as those animals that in slaughterhouses
they are slaughtered without anesthesia: embrace them with their pain.Lord have mercy on the experimental animals
make them stop these practices and save them from their suffering.Lord, you who instilled in San Antonio Abad
a great love of poverty and respect for animals,
have mercy on all suffering animals
and make a more just society based on love and peace
of all the beings that populate the planet.Amen.
Popular tradition of San Antón
January 17th is the feast day of Saint Anthony, the patron saint of animals, and therefore, a day to celebrate our pets. In fact, it's a day that farmers and ranchers have celebrated for centuries. In the 18th century, Saint Anthony's Day was celebrated in Spain with people making pilgrimages with their animals, holding parades, and going to churches to have the saint bless their pets. People who have pets receive a bun with a special recipe, which they should keep with a coin for the following year.
In Spain, it has become increasingly common in recent decades for religious people to bring their pets to church to be blessed by the priest. Some people bring everything from dogs to birds and even turtles to be blessed.
As a curiosity, although the farthest festivity on animals is that of San Antonio de Abad, we also have:
- animal day, which is October 4.
- The International Day for International Animal Rights, the October 10.
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I hope this information about the prayer to Saint Anthony the Abbot has been helpful to you.
