The Diocese of Allentown said St. Anthony, patron saint of lost and stolen items, was often credited with miracles involving lost people, not just inanimate objects.

“He is especially invoked and venerated all over the world as the patron saint for the recovery of lost items and is credited with many miracles involving lost people, lost things and even lost spiritual goods,” the diocese posted on Facebook Monday, St. Anthony’s feast day. “St. Anthony, pray for us!” 

St. Anthony of Padua was born in Portugal at the end of the 12th century, a report from Britannica said. His family was wealthy and religious. When he was approximately 25, he became a Franciscan friar, His plans were to travel to Morocco to preach to the Saracens, but they were put off after he became very ill and was instructed to return to Portugal. On the way home, his ship was blown off course and Anthony ended up in Sicily, where he taught theology. He died in 1231 and was canonized a year later. 

In 1946, Pope Pius XII declared Anthony a Doctor of the Church, a title reserved for few.

Catholics often pray to St. Anthony seeking his intercession when they are searching for lost or stolen items, StAnthony.org said.

Various painters and sculptors have depicted Anthony holding a book, a lily or the child Jesus. 

A pope can bestow the “Doctor of the Church” title on someone who has made significant and lasting contributions to the church, Crossroads Initiative said. To date, 37 people have earned the title.

Crossroads listed the three prerequisites to becoming a Doctor of the Church as: “(1) holiness that is truly outstanding; (2) depth of doctrinal insight; and (3) an extensive body of writings which the church can recommend as an expression of the authentic and life-giving Catholic Tradition.”