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As we deepen our relationship with the Eternal Word, Jesus Christ, we grow in grace and are transformed by His love and mercy.
August 15, 1195–June 13, 1231
Patron Saint of custody of the Holy Land, miracles, travelers, pregnancy, finding a spouse, harvests, animals, lost items, the disabled
St. Anthony of Padua is one of the most beloved saints of the Church. Born in twelfth-century Portugal, he was knowledgeable in Scripture and gifted in preaching. He entered the Augustinian order at an early age and devoted himself to prayer and theological study.
A turning point in his life came when he encountered the remains of Franciscan martyrs who had died preaching the Gospel in North Africa. Inspired by their witness, he joined the Franciscan Order and took the name Anthony, desiring to dedicate his life completely to Christ.
Although he initially hoped for a hidden life of prayer, his extraordinary gift for preaching soon became evident. St. Anthony was called upon to preach throughout Italy and southern France, where he addressed large crowds with clarity, wisdom, and conviction.
Anthony had a profound love for the poor and defended those who were treated unjustly. He spoke out against corruption and exploitation, urging people to live according to the Gospel.
Many miracles were associated with St. Anthony, including healings, communicating with animals, and the recovery of lost items, which led to his patronage of those seeking lost things. He once had a mystical vision of the Child Jesus and held the Holy Infant in his arms.
St. Anthony died from illness on June 13, 1231, near Padua, Italy. His deep holiness and powerful witness led to his canonization in 1232, less than a year after his death. In 1946, he was declared a Doctor of the Church.
St. Anthony’s role as the patron saint of lost items resulted from an incident in his life involving a stolen book of psalms. The book, which contained his personal notes and was used as a teaching aid, was taken by a novice who left the monastery. Since these books were handwritten, they were highly valued. St. Anthony prayed earnestly for the book’s return. Soon after, the novice repented, brought the book back, and recommitted to the religious life. Over time, many people reported finding lost objects after asking for St. Anthony’s intercession, leading to his strong association with this devotion.
St. Anthony’s effectiveness as a preacher came from his deep knowledge of Scripture, his clarity of expression, and his ability to connect with people. He used vivid imagery and practical examples to explain complex theological ideas. His sermons addressed real moral and spiritual issues, calling people to conversion and a deeper relationship with God. His holiness and sincerity gave credibility to his words, making his message both powerful and persuasive. His preaching attracted massive crowds, forcing him to deliver his sermons in open squares.
Numerous miracles are attributed to St. Anthony, both during his life and after his death. Among the most famous is the account of him preaching to fish when people refused to listen. When he began preaching at the edge of the water, a large crowd of fish gathered to listen, after which the people repented. Another account tells that a heretic with a half-starved donkey attempted to mock the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. He set out fodder for the donkey and asked St. Anthony to set out the Eucharist in a Monstrance, in order to see which the animal preferred. The donkey approached the Monstrance and knelt before the Eucharist. Other miracles include healings, the restoration of stolen goods, and acts of divine intervention that demonstrated God’s power through Anthony’s ministry. These accounts contributed to his rapid canonization and enduring popularity among the faithful.
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Thomas and his wife Helen teach their children, Alex and Sarah, about St. Anthony of Padua.
Joan Lewis accompanies viewers on a pilgrimage to the shrine of St. Anthony of Padua, describing this much-acclaimed shrine and looking at the life and times of this celebrated saint.
Fr. Leo Patalinghug travels to Lisbon, Portugal, where he visits the birthplace of St. Anthony of Padua, the cathedral there, and the sacred sites that make this energetic city a place of spiritual revival.
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