St. Anthony of Padua

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 St. Anthony of Padua was born in Lisbon, Portugal, August 15, 1195. St. Anthony became a saint through a rapid process of canonization due to the widespread belief in his holiness and the numerous miracles attributed to him, both during his life and after his death. He encountered Jesus when a mystical experience where he saw and held Jesus for the first time. St. Anthony of Padua's had deep love for God and preached the gospel and served the poor.

Quotes:

  • "Actions speak louder than words; let your words teach and your actions speak," and "The breadth of charity widens the narrow heart of the sinners.
  • He sought permission to leave the Augustinians and join the fledgling Franciscan Order, adopting the name Anthony (in honor of St. Anthony the Great) upon his admission. 
Missionary and preaching ministry
  • Anthony set out for Morocco with a fellow friar, hoping to preach the Gospel to Muslims and achieve martyrdom.
  • However, he fell seriously ill upon arrival and was forced to return to Portugal.
  • His ship was blown off course and landed in Sicily, Italy, where he found himself in a new environment and ministry, 
  • Initially assigned to a simple hermitage in Montepaolo, his gifts as a preacher were discovered by chance when he was asked to preach at an ordination and delivered a powerful and eloquent sermon.
  • This marked the beginning of his itinerant preaching career throughout northern Italy and southern France, where he attracted large crowds with his profound biblical knowledge and accessible style.
  • He became known as a "Hammer of Heretics," combating false teachings and promoting a deeper understanding of the Catholic faith, according to St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, Hightstown, NJ. 
Later years and death
  • Anthony taught theology to Franciscan friars, fulfilling a task entrusted to him by St. Francis himself.
  • He eventually settled in Padua, Italy, a city with which he became strongly associated and where he continued his preaching and ministry.
  • His health began to decline due to tireless labors and austere penances.
  • Anthony retired to a friary at Camposampiero. He then desired to die in Padua and was transported by wagon, but he died just outside the city at Arcella on June 13, 1231, at the age of 36.
  • His final words were reportedly "I see my Lord". 
Legacy and veneration
  • St. Anthony was canonized by Pope Gregory IX less than a year after his death, in 1232.
  • He is known as a "Wonder-Worker" because of the miracles attributed to his intercession.
  • In 1946, Pope Pius XII declared him a Doctor of the Church, recognizing his contributions to Catholic theology.
  • He is widely invoked as the patron saint of lost items, a tradition stemming from a story of a lost manuscript that was miraculously returned to him.
  • His feast day is celebrated on June 13th, and he is a beloved and respected figure throughout the world, even by non-Christians

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