On June 13th we celebrate St. Anthony of Padua, the patron saint of the poor and oppressed, but also of orphans, children, mothers and families. Known as Saint Anthony of miracles, or rather, the Saint of miracles, the Wonderworker, that is, the one who works wonders because countless miracles are attributed to him, both when he was alive and after his death. A few years ago, the poet Rosario La Greca di Brolo composed the poem “Sei Tu, o humble Saint”, dedicated to Saint Anthony, of whom he has always been devoted. On the occasion of the celebration, he has the pleasure of sharing it with all the devotees of the Saint.
It is You, oh humble Saint
(To Sant’Antonio di Padova)
It is You, oh humble Saint,
the dawn and pride of beloved Padua.
With the radiant beats of your heart,
full of poverty and generosity,
You risk every trembling longing for love
of your beloved children and with sweetness,
tenderness and candour,
Guide them to new horizons of brotherhood,
after having inebriated them with His Word.
It is sweet to unite with You, O humble Saint!
You who hold in the tender embrace
the Celestial Child, shining sprout of Holiness
and give us poor people so much happiness,
allow us to link our lives to the Bread of charity.
For this we give you thanks, O humble Saint.
You, with the white lily in your hand, guide our existence
with petals of purity and benevolence.
Grant the anxious invocations that rise
confident from our suffering hearts,
who trust in You.
With the soft breeze of dawn,
we sing for You, o humble Saint,
a wonderful and sweet song,
for the joy of always having you close to me.
Text: Rosario La Greca – Brolo (Messina)
