5 Simple Ways to Celebrate Saint Anthony’s Feast Day on a Budget
“St. Anthony, St. Anthony, please come around…”
Chances are, you’ve whispered that line while frantically looking for your keys, wallet, or even a beloved toy. Saint Anthony of Padua, the great Franciscan preacher and Doctor of the Church, is known for more than just helping us find lost things; he’s a powerful intercessor and a beautiful example of charity, humility, and trust in God.
With his feast day on June 13, why not bring this beloved saint into your family’s life in a meaningful way?
To help you introduce this Saint to your children, I have pulled together some interesting facts and included 5 fun activities for you and your children to do together
Why Celebrate at Home?
Feast days are beautiful opportunities to weave the liturgical year into everyday family life. They help children (and adults!) connect with the saints as real, living members of the Church who walk with us in our faith journey. And it doesn’t have to be complicated or costly. Each year on June 13th, millions around the world pause to honor one of the most cherished saints in Christian tradition: Saint Anthony of Padua. Known as the patron saint of lost items, Saint Anthony’s life was marked by deep humility, powerful preaching, and miraculous acts that have inspired devotion for centuries.
Who is Saint Anthony?
Saint Anthony was born in Lisbon, Portugal, in 1195 as Fernando Martins. Raised in a wealthy and noble family, he entered religious life early, first joining the Augustinians and later, inspired by the martyrdom of five Franciscan friars, transferring to the Franciscan order. He took the name Anthony in honor of Saint Anthony the Great, a desert hermit.
Though he initially sought a quiet life of prayer, Anthony’s exceptional gift for preaching was soon discovered. His sermons were so powerful and moving that even hardened skeptics found themselves drawn to repentance. He eventually settled in Padua, Italy, where he spent his final years ministering to the poor and spreading the Gospel.
Miracle Worker
Saint Anthony is perhaps best known as the patron saint of lost items, a title rooted in a story of a stolen book. After a novice took one of Anthony’s cherished psalm books, Anthony prayed for its return. The thief not only brought it back but also returned to the order. Since then, believers have called on Saint Anthony’s intercession to recover lost possessions.
However, his miracles go beyond that. Countless stories recount healings, food multiplied for the hungry, and even the conversion of hearts. He was canonized less than a year after his death in 1231, one of the fastest canonizations in Church history.
Saint Anthony’s legacy isn’t just found in miraculous stories; it’s in his deep compassion for the poor and his tireless work as a preacher of truth and peace. His writings still guide the faithful today, and his shrine in Padua remains one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in the world.
5 Simple ways
1. Start the Day with a Simple Prayer
Begin with a family prayer asking for Saint Anthony’s intercession. Here’s a short one:
“Saint Anthony, gentle and powerful in word and deed, friend of the poor and helper of those in need, I turn to you today with childlike love. Help me to grow in faith and to share what I have with those in need. Amen.”
Let the kids take turns leading the prayer—it’s a simple but powerful way to begin the day.
2. Saint Stories for Kids
While the kids are eating breakfast, play this short 8-minute action-style story for your children to help them learn about Saint Anthony and his powerful preaching.
3. Complete a colouring-in sheet
To make it easier for you, I’ve linked 3 different styles of colouring-in sheets. Click on the image to download from the source.
4. Sensory Bin
The idea for this activity popped into my mind as I needed a children’s activity to take along to a Catholic Mother’s Group. I had a group of 6 however, this activity is so simple to pull together you just need to update the quantities depending how many children you are catering for. It was so much fun that we had kids of all ages enjoy it, followed by their Mums! It’s harder than you think!
Things you will need:
- A container of some kind with tall edges to avoid spillage. I re-purposed empty yoghurt tubs
- 1-2 cups of rice per sensory bin
- Small items that frequently get lost in your home. You will need 1 for each bin. For example; bobby pins, paper clips, small pen/pencil, small coin, an old key (Anyone else have a handful of keys that you have no idea what they’re for?) and anything else that you think would work well
- Blindfold – I used some leftover fabric from an old project cut into strips
To setup the activity, poor the ‘lost’ small items in the bottom of the sensory bin. Add rice and give a small stir. Blindfold the individual and let them know how many items they need to find. To make it easier for younger children, omit the blindfold. To make it harder for older children or adults, add an extra cup of rice or a timer to add some pressure! Have fun!
5. Word Search
I created the wordsearch below for the older kids using words related to Saint Anthony. Download using the button below.
Saint Anthony teaches us that holiness isn’t about extravagance; it’s about love, humility, and generosity. You don’t need a big budget to celebrate his feast day, just a willing heart and a few intentional moments.
So this June 13, light a candle, say a prayer, and invite Saint Anthony into your home and heart.
Saint Anthony of Padua, pray for us!
