June 13 – Saint Anthony of Padua

Saint Anthony was a Portuguese priest and a member of the Franciscan order. He was known for his powerful preaching, his extensive knowledge of scripture and his exemplary love and devotion to the poor and sick. He was born Fernando de Bulhoes in Lisbon, Portugal, in 1195. At the age of 15 he asked to be sent to the Monastery of the Holy Cross in Coimbra. After his ordination to the priesthood, he was attracted to the simple evangelical lifestyle of the recently formed Franciscans. He obtained permission to join the order and chose the name Anthony.

After travelling to Morocco to preach the Gospel, Anthony was taken ill and set sail back for Portugal. His ship was blown off course and landed in Sicily. From there he moved to Tuscany, Romagna and subsequently Bologna. There he came to the attention of Saint Francis of Assisi who placed him in charge of the studies of his friars. In 1226 Anthony was appointed Provincial Superior for Northern Italy and chose Padua as his location. In 1228 he was appointed as the order’s envoy to Pope Gregory IX.

Saint Anthony died in 1231. When his body was exhumed 30 years later his tongue was incorrupt, which was taken as a sign of his gift of preaching. His tongue, jaw and vocal cords are now displayed in the Basilica of Saint Anthony in Padua. He was canonised by Pope Gregory in 1232, less than a year after his death. Saint Anthony is the patron saint of the recovery of lost property. His feast day is celebrated on 13 June.

Paul Cavadino