The patron saint of lost things is St. Anthony of Padua.

Quick Scoop: Who he is

St. Anthony of Padua was a 13th‑century Portuguese Franciscan priest known for his powerful preaching, care for the poor, and many reported miracles. Over time he became one of the most widely venerated saints in the Catholic Church, especially for help with finding lost items.

Why he’s linked to lost things

A popular story says Anthony had a precious book of psalms (with his own teaching notes) that was taken by a novice who left the community. Anthony prayed intensely, the novice regretted what he’d done, and the book was returned, which led people to ask for Anthony’s intercession whenever something important was lost.

Since then, Catholics often pray to St. Anthony for anything misplaced—keys, documents, even “lost” people or lost faith—and many devotional stories claim his help.