The Hemisphere: I Wanted a Husband . ..

In Mexico one day last week, thousands of Señoritas were relying on 13 pennies and a prayer to land a husband. The day was June 13, the 720th anniversary of the death of St. Anthony of Padua. An old Mexican custom guarantees that if a girl begs 13 centavos from 13 men, burns 13 candles and prays to St. Anthony on his day, she will get her hombre.

Three teenagers, certain their quest would be blessed, trooped into Mexico City's Church of San Juan to raise fervid dark eyes to the statue of St. Anthony,...

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