gracemovesme
As an intercessor, of course, Anthony does not have in himself any divine power to heal us or grant us favors. Rather, he is a simple human go-between who has found favor with a great God. He prays and intercedes to God on our behalf. And here, as the sculpture indicates, the God Anthony prays to is a God who has taken the form of a little babe—a God of great humility and overflowing love conveying the attitude of a humble servant. That Anthony remains a great intercessor is obvious from the long line of visitors who continuously file past his tomb at his Basilica in Padua. During my four-day stay, there was seldom a gap in that line. One after another, devout pilgrims pass behind his altar and tomb. They pause in front of the marble slab on the back of his tomb, many placing their heads or hands against it in silent prayer. And, of course, St. Anthony remains a great intercessor not only in Padua but also for millions around the world.