São Longuinho is perhaps one of the most popular figures of the Catholic Church, as it overcomes the barrier of this religion and finds “followers” ​​in many different beliefs - especially among Brazilians. Whoever has never said his “prayer” ( Saint Longuinho, Saint Longuinho, if I think I give 3 hops ) is because he never lost anything of value. But after all, who was this master in finding lost objects?

Longinus, also called Cassius, was born in the early years of our era, and his name means "A Spear." He is believed to have been the Roman soldier who, just with a spear, pierced the crucified body of Jesus Christ, according to the story narrated in the Gospel of St. John. In addition, the evangelists St. Matthew, St. Luke and St. Mark also cite the your name.

These apostles say that it was Longinus who first recognized Jesus as the son of God. Some historians believe that he, as a soldier, guarded the tomb of the crucifixes and accompanied all the crucifixions. After Christ's, he would have been converted because the blood splashed in his eyes, healed a vision problem and made him "fall into himself."

Longinus would have been one of the first to recognize Jesus Christ as God's son by piercing him with a spear. The tip of the alleged weapon is on display at a museum in Vienna, Austria.

3 little hops

Upon leaving the army, Longinus began to pilgrimage and carry the word of Christ, especially in the region of Cappadocia. He was discovered and denounced as defector to Pontius Pilate, who condemned him to death if he did not renounce the faith. Longinus held his ground, even after being tortured, his teeth torn out and his tongue cut off. Finally, it was beheaded.

He was canonized in the year 999 by Pope Silvestre 2º. It is believed that the documents for the process were lost and that the pope invoked his own aspiring saint to help him find the papers. Whether this is a real story or just urban legend, no one is sure; but perhaps from there comes the tradition of calling your name to find what is lost. Already the little leaps nobody knows when they appeared.

In St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, a statue of St. Longuinho stands next to one of the four pillars that support the dome on the Pope's throne. The Catholic Church is currently celebrating its name on March 15. And when you remember him, don't forget to do the 3 hops, huh?

Saint Longuinho statue in St. Peter's Basilica: he is usually represented as a monk and also as a soldier

Prayer of St. Longuinho

The saint is quite popular with Brazilians and Spaniards. Here, the Church of Nossa Senhora da Escada, in the municipality of Guararema (SP), is the only one to have a representation of Saint Longuinho on the altar. And if you are curious, also know your official prayer:

"O glorious Saint Longuinho, we implore you, full of confidence in your intercession. We are attracted to you by a special devotion, we know that our supplications will be heard by God our Father, if you so loved by Him, make us represent. Remember Saint Longuinho, prodigiously touched by the grace of the agonizing Jesus, in his last hour, that it was never heard that any of those who resort to your protection would be forsaken by you, so deign to bring on your behalf, your valuable one. intercession before God, that He may grant me to live and die as a true Christian, and help me to find the object I so need. Amen. "

After this prayer, just say the name of the object you are looking for and pray an Our Father and a Hail Mary. Of course, most prefer the most popular one, which makes reference to hops - just can't forget to keep your promise when you find the object, huh? After all, it costs nothing to thank the traditional way, even if nobody can explain why.