Marie Laveau is said to have favored St. Anthony of Padua, who may be petitioned either as the Catholic saint or as the African spirit with whom he is syncretized, Yon Sue or Monsieur Agassou. St. Anthony also happens to be the patron saint of the Kongo. Tallant, Pitkin, and Ellis all report that Saint Anthony is petitioned as Yon Sue or Monsieur Agassou; he is also associated with Papa Legba by some folks. Yon Sue is said to manifest as a great guardian who protects Voudouists from those who would interfere with their freedom to worship the spirits of Africa. Represented as a leopard, he is kept alongside statues of St. Anthony with a red ribbon tied around him. He is petitioned for protection and for money.
According to oral tradition, Marie kept a statue of St. Anthony by the front door. When she was busy with a client or doing conjure work, she would turn the statue on his head. When folks came by to seek her help and advice, they knew to wait until she turned him right side up before knocking on the door.
According to oral tradition, Marie kept a statue of St. Anthony by the front door. When she was busy with a client or doing conjure work, she would turn the statue on his head. When folks came by to seek her help and advice, they knew to wait until she turned him right side up before knocking on the door.
