I told a friend a story about my son as a small boy (he’s now 54 and would have a fit if he knew). Anyway, it referred to a saint and she thought a column about it would be amusing. Be patient and I’ll tell you the story. First, a few tidbits on saints, and all will be revealed.

On saints – all religions mention them. Who doesn’t know St. Peter and St. Patrick, whether Catholic or Protestant? St. Peter could, upon occasion go unnoticed but fail to acknowledge St. Patrick and the entire country would rise up against you. Never rile an Irish country or an Irishman.

After all that, here’s the story: I had lost a favorite locket (only I could lose a locket). Since it was very precious to me I was upset. My son was quietly reading and I was sure he wasn’t listening to me since I wasn’t scolding him.

I said, &uot;I must find my locket or go mad. Guess I’ll give St. Anthony a try.&uot;

From the son and heir came, &uot;Who’s St. Anthony?&uot;

Answer, &uot;The patron saint of things lost. He finds them for you when you ask him.&uot;

Junior replies, &uot;I thought God did that.&uot;

&uot;He does, but He and St. Anthony work together.&uot;

&uot;How you do you know St. Anthony and God know each other? Maybe they didn’t meet.&uot;

How do you fight logical child reasoning? Took a while to explain St. Anthony and God’s friendship. Took some talking to get it across but I did. Then he asked how I would reach St. Anthony to tell him of the locket.

So, for you my readers, whether Catholic or Protestant, here is St. Anthony’s address. Say sincerely, &uot;Something’s lost and must be found. Dear St. Anthony look around.&uot;

Not much of a prayer but have faith – it works. You don’t have to tell him what you lost – he’ll know.

In all the many years I have called on him he has never failed me. He won’t fail you – Catholic or Protestant. In spite of my son’s questioning as to whether he and God are friends – they are.

Try it one day, but don’t forget to say thank you.

Florence Arena is a resident of Hillcrest Retirement Center and a regular News-Herald columnist.