St. Anthony of Padua Bridgeport

06/13/2026

06/13/2026

JUNE 13 | LOSING (AND FINDING) JESUS
Saint Anthony of Padua
A.D. 1195–1231

If you’ve ever lost your car keys or wallet, there’s a good chance you’ve prayed to this saint.

His name is Saint Anthony of Padua. But his life was not dedicated to helping people find lost items. It was dedicated to helping lost people find Jesus.

Anthony was born in Lisbon, Portugal, but his desire to meet Saint Francis of Assisi and join his order brought him to Italy. Once a Franciscan, Anthony went about serving the poor and sick. He cared first for their physical needs. Then he would remind them that Jesus too had no possessions, and he would begin to preach the Gospel.

Anthony is also an official Doctor of the Church—meaning his intellectual insights have greatly informed our understanding of theology. But one of his most meaningful contributions was to make the complex theology of the Scriptures accessible to the common people. He used simple, relatable analogies to explain the teachings of Jesus. Using this approach, Anthony brought a remarkable number of lost people back to Jesus.

At this point, you might be asking, “So why is he the patron saint of lost things?”

This is the story: Anthony had a book of psalms that he absolutely loved. One day, a monk stole the book and left the Franciscan community. Anthony prayed with all his might for its return, and soon the monk was struck by immense guilt and brought the book back.

Soon after Saint Anthony of Padua’s death, people began praying to him whenever they deeply desired the return of a lost item. And this devotion broadened over the centuries.

But the greater lesson of Saint Anthony’s life is that he helped lost people find Jesus. And that is what we are called to do as well, even if it is helping ourselves find Jesus after we have lost him.

We lose Jesus in our lives all the time. We wander away from Jesus all the time. We're either not even aware of it, or we do it on purpose.

Our task then is to find Jesus again. He is always waiting for us to return. All we have to do is say, “Jesus, here I am, and I need you.” We can go to a church. We can talk to a priest. Or we can call up a trusted friend who is firm in their faith.

And if we need that extra bit of help, we can turn to Saint Anthony of Padua.

Saint Anthony, pray for us!

06/12/2026

The devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is rich in symbolism. Every part of the image teaches something about Christ's love, sacrifice, mercy, and desire for our salvation.

1. THE HEART
The heart itself is the central symbol.
It represents the infinite love of Jesus for all humanity. It reminds us that Christ loves every person personally and completely.

Jesus does not love us from a distance; He loves us with a living and compassionate heart.

2. THE FLAMES ABOVE THE HEART
The Sacred Heart is usually shown with flames rising from it.
The flames symbolize the burning love of Jesus for humanity, a love that never grows cold.

God's love is active, passionate, and always reaching out to save souls.

3. THE CROWN OF THORNS
A crown of thorns surrounds the Heart.
It recalls the suffering Jesus endured during His Passion and the wounds caused by human sin and rejection.

Christ's love continued even through suffering and betrayal.

4. THE CROSS ABOVE THE HEART
A cross is often seen emerging from the top of the Heart.
It points to Christ's sacrifice on Calvary and His victory over sin and death.

True love is sacrificial. Jesus gave His life for our salvation.

5. THE WOUND IN THE HEART
The Heart usually bears a visible wound.
It represents the spear wound inflicted by the Roman soldier at the Crucifixion (John 19:34).

The Heart of Jesus was pierced for our redemption and remains open to receive sinners.

6. RAYS OF LIGHT
Many images show rays shining from the Heart.
These rays symbolize the grace, mercy, and blessings that flow from Christ to the world.

Jesus is the source of spiritual light and divine grace.

7. THE BL00D
Some depictions include drops of bl00d flowing from the wound.
They recall Christ's sacrifice and the Bl00d He shed for the forgiveness of sins.

Our salvation was purchased through the Precious Bl00d of Jesus.

8. THE COLOR RED
The Heart is often depicted in deep red.
Red symbolizes love, sacrifice, charity, and the Bl00d of Christ.

The Sacred Heart is a sign of Christ's total self-giving love.

9. THE GOLDEN LIGHT AROUND THE HEART
A golden glow often surrounds the Heart.
It represents Christ's divinity, holiness, and glory.

Jesus is both fully human and fully divine.

10. THE EXPOSED HEART
Unlike ordinary depictions, the Heart is visible outside the chest.
Jesus reveals His Heart openly to humanity, hiding nothing of His love.

Christ invites everyone to come confidently to Him and experience His mercy.

In simple words, the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a picture of God's love made visible. The Heart reminds us that Jesus loves us. The flames show that His love burns constantly. The thorns remind us of the pain caused by sin. The cross points to His sacrifice. The wound reveals His mercy, and the light reminds us that grace flows from Him to the whole world.
When Catholics look at the Sacred Heart, they are reminded of one great truth:
"Jesus loves us with a love that never stops, never gives up, and never turns away."

Now you know.

Happy Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.

SOURCES
Sacred Scripture: John 19:34; Ephesians 3:17-19; Matthew 11:28-30

Catechism of the Catholic Church, 478

Devotion to the Sacred Heart as revealed to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque in the 17th century.

© Catholic Dailies
Be Prayerful. Be Inspired.

06/12/2026