Today, practically in all homes there is a minimum pet. Being one of the family, we care and ensure that they are well.
That is why today, we are going to write about the Prayers to Saint Anthony the Abbot, and a little about him, the protector of animals.
Saint Anthony of Abad
San Antonio de Abad (also known as San Anton) He was a Catholic Christian monk who founded the eremitical movement. His life is described in the work of Saint Athanasius and speaks of a man who became more holy and was a good example of Christian piety and a basic reference for Catholic spiritual and contemplative asceticism. Antonio Abad died on January 17, 356 on Mount Colzim in Tebaida, Egypt (or Heracleópolis Magna, Roman Empire). He was born on January 12, 251 in Egypt, in what is now known as the city of Alexandria.
Why is the pattern of animals?
According to Christian writings, it says San Jeronimo, in his book on Paul the hermit (a famous hermit from Thebaid), Antony visited Paul in his later years and encouraged him to live a monastic life. When Anthony arrived the raven that was said to give Pablo a loaf of bread each day welcomed Antony with two loaves. When Paul passed away Antonio had the help of two lions and other animals to bury him. Since then, Antonio has been the patron saint of ranchers and animals.
In addition, another anecdote that they tell is that on one occasion, a female wild boar was transporting two blind boars, in an attitude of need. Antonio cured the blindness of animals, and since then his mother never left his side, protecting him from any dangerous animal that might come near.. For this reason, the image of San Antón is with a pig in a submissive position.
Prayer to Saint Anthony the Abbot
The prayer can vary depending on the country from which the supplication to Saint Anthony is made. Nevertheless, here we are going to put the one that is usually more general at a global level:
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 17 is the day of San Antón, the patron saint of animals, and therefore, the day of our pets. In fact, it is a day that farmers and ranchers have celebrated for many centuries. In the XNUMXth century, the day of Saint Antón was celebrated in Spain, with people making pilgrimages with their animals, parades and going to churches so that the saint would bless their pets. People who have pets receive a bun with a special formula, which must be kept with a coin for the next year.
In Spain, it has become popular in recent decades for believers to take their pets to church to be blessed by the parish priest. Some people bring from dogs, to birds and 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.
I hope that this information about the prayer to San Antonio de Abad has been useful to you.