St. Francis converted . . . .

Saints are often portrayed with items or symbols of their lives or--if they were martyrs--their deaths.

There's St. Lucy offering her eyeballs like tasty hors d'oeuvres.

There's St. Agatha calmly contemplating her severed breast.

Well, when St. Francis had a little accident, I found that he could double as John the Baptist.

Prayer to St. Anthony, Patron of Lost Items

My mother was taught this prayer by a nun (Sr. Anthony of Padua) when she lost her grandmother's rosary. After finding the rosary, she's been saying it ever since. I've picked it up through much repetition (we're a rather forgetful lot).

Tony, Tony,
look around.
Something's lost
and must be found!

You can also substitute the name of the article you're looking for (e.g., my rosary, my car keys, my student) for the word 'Something.'

God and the saints do not 'wheel and deal' with us for favors, but it is a good practice to do something to thank St. Anthony for his intercession (such as saying a rosary or donating money to your church or a charity). After all, if a friend does something for you, it is only natural to thank him or her.