Close Window

'Saint Anthony' (2005)

Saint Anthony, one of Brazil's most popular saints, appears in this original composition by Denise Araripe. She masterfully captures the saint's benevolent heart as he holds Baby Jesus, whom she chose not to paint His face. St. Anthony is said to be the patron saint of lost causes, believed to aid in finding lost objects as well as spouses. Araripe writes on the left, "3 requests to Saint Anthony: 1) Saint Anthony who brings back lost things, make it so we may find that which we have lost in natural and spiritual life. 2) Saint Anthony pray for the Pope, bishops and priests so they may be happy in their mission. 3) Saint Anthony give me the grace I ask, but above all, that I may accept God's will, by Jesus Christ, Amen." Under a chain and wedding ring over a glass, Araripe writes: "To discover if there are many years to go before the big day, on the eve of January 13th tie a wedding band of any relative to a string and hold it over a glass with the ring inside. Ask St Anthony how many years until you marry. The number of times the ring hits the glass means how many years until D-Day." Under the candle with bride and groom she writes: " Trezena: light a candle for 13 days and pray five Our Father's, five Hail Mary's and five Glory's to the Father. Offer them to St Anthony and ask for five things, two of which must be very difficult and three easy. Put out the candle after making the requests. On the 13th day let the candle burn out, and leave 13 candles in a church.

On the right, the Brazilian artist writes, "Separate Baby Jesus from St Anthony and place in a new glass. When a lover is found return to original place and distribute 13 dozens pieces of bread on June 13th." After the picture of a Baby Jesus in a glass and an egg, Araripe writes: "On June 12th at midnight, crack an egg inside the glass and place in the open air. The following day, copy the pattern that formed and if it resembles a wedding dress, it means your wedding is near." Further down Araripe writes: "On June 13th I go to my church to celebrate St. Anthony's day, I bought a piece of bread and distributed 13 pieces of it amongst the family. I saved the rest with their food and left a piece for St Anthony to protect the family. I place my family at the feet of St Anthony. Under his protection we will walk with the certainty that a future of love awaits us." To the right of the Saint, Araripe warns "Stealing the Baby Jesus doesn't always bring luck" in reference to a Brazilian custom of stealing the Baby Jesus from St Anthony's arms is believed to bring luck in marriage. This is why she places many little dolls representing Baby Jesus. People may place their requests in the pockets under the Saint's feet."

Titled "Santo Antonio" in Portuguese.