Is it a sign?

On Monday evening, as I was leaving work, something caught my eye, a shiny silver pendant. A Saint Anthony pendant, nonetheless, on the floor, next to my foot. Alas, I found the Saint that is invoked to find lost or stolen items and lost souls, however, maybe he was actually finding me. I have always believed that “things happen for a reason” and that “what is meant to be, will always find its way.” What if this is me finding something that is meant for me in a very conspicuous way. What have I truly found here within this pendant? I guess time will tell.

I have asked all my co-workers and none have claimed it, so it rests safely around my neck for now. A friend said that they believe there must be a very powerful reason that only I stumbled upon it. She says that it must be for me and my instincts are to believe her. Is it a sign from some higher power? I am ready for the message.

Saint Anthony, who was he? Why was it that he became a Saint in the first place? His original name was Fernando Martins de Bulhões. In Italian, Sant’Antonio da Padova or St. Antony of Padua. Anthony was born in Lisbon, Portugal in 1195 and was a Franciscan friar, doctor of the church, and patron of the poor. Research findings say that he was born into a wealthy and prominent family. In his mid-teens, he went to study the religious order of St. Augustine. During that time, Fernando learned of the first five bodies of Franciscan martyrs that were returned from Morocco and offered his life “to the land of the Saracens, that (he)I may gain the crown of the holy martyrs.” There was some pushback from the Augustinians, but over time they allowed him to go and receive the Franciscan sect, taking the name Anthony.

Padua and Portugal both claim him as a Saint for finding lost property and souls, as before- mentioned. He is still and was known for, his profound yet simple teachings of the Catholic faith. It is said that he was also known as a great miracle worker, like his great teacher. So, in 1946 Pope Pius XII declared Anthony a doctor of the church. He was also the secondquickest canonized saint in history. For all who are not Roman Catholic, canonized means, ‘one who is deceased is officially declared a saint.’

Now, with all that knowledge about this Saint, why has he chosen me to find his pendant? Was it a gift from someone unbeknownst to me, that has departed from this earthy realm? Bringing to thought my paternal side of the family is Catholic. There are memories I have of going to my grandma’s church a couple of times during Easter, or for a Christmas Mass. Maybe it is linked to either my father or grandmother who passed on and saw that I may need some guidance. For what? Well, if I would know the answer I obviously wouldn’t need the pendant of St. Anthony to guide me along and help find my way.

So, as I sit here and gaze upon the pendant, clearing my mind, ready for whatever message it is here to give me, I know that some higher power being and some angels are looking after me. After finding many feathers throughout the years, maybe the angels were discussing how else they could send me a sign in a conspicuous way to make me fully listen. At least this time I hope I hear it, if not they might just throw a boulder next time.

“Serendipity. Look for something. Find something else, and realize that what you found is more suited to your needs than what you thought you were looking for.”

-Lawrence Block UPDATE: I have found the owner of the pendant and it is safely returned. It’s funny how things come and go in and out of your life and if you just let it, it could teach you something, literally! Without stumbling upon St. Anthony, I would have less likely looked into his life. Reading some of what he wrote and expanded my knowledge to more things. For what are we, if not beings forever evolving.

Seeking

W

onder