To Downham this morning to worship in one of the most beautiful churches I know. The mid-week service is Book of Common Prayer Holy Communion and attended by a handful of villagers. But which readings to use? On Sunday the congregation, some of whom I know will be there this morning, will have heard the Book of Common Prayer readings set for Sunday. Perhaps today will be a saint’s day? Not in the Anglican calendar – but joy! in the Roman Catholic Church’s it is St Anthony of Padua.

St Anthony is one of the most quickly canonised saints (about a year after his death at the age of 36 in 1231) and was famous for his passionate preaching, knowledge of scripture, and care for the sick and the poor. He is most famous today as the patron saint of lost things or lost causes. Wikipedia lists his other patronages as being (amongst many others) Brazil, swineherds, pregnant women, counter-revolutionaries and oppressed people.

One of my favourite stories about St Antony was that he tried one of his famous sermons on some townpeople who really didn’t want to listen. So he went to preach to some fish in the river instead. The fish gathered to listen and the people of the town decided that maybe he did have something worthwhile to say.

Happy St Anthony’s Day! I put in a word for the England 2018 World Cup Squad. Perhaps you should too.