Saint Anthony de PaduaPatron Saint of Lost things and the Poor
LifeSaint Anthony de Padua was born at Lisbon, Portugal in 1195. At 15, he joined the Augustinian Monks of Coimbra, where in due time he was ordained priest. In 1221, when the relics of five Franciscan martyrs were brought from Morocco to Porugal, he conceived an ardent desire to follow in their footsteps. He passed over to the Franciscan Order, and after some time was sent to Africa to preach to the Muslims. However, he was soon afflicted by a severe illness, and a few months later he had to return to Portugal. The ship in which he sailed was driven off course and landed in Sicily. From there Anthony went to Assisi, where he met St. Francis.
Appointed to a lonely hermitage near Forli, the Saint was assigned to wash up dishes. It happened some time later that an ordination was held in Forli for Franciscan and Dominican candidates. Through some misunderstanding none of the Dominicans had come prepared to deliver the homily, and St. Anthony was told to speak on their behalf.
His superiors were amazed by his eloquence, and thereafter sent him to preach throughout Italy and France. Wherever he went, crowds flocked to hear him, and many heretics were converted by his gentleness and superior knowledge of the Bible.
Saint Anthony was the first Franciscan who was allowed by St. Francis to teach Theology to his brethren, provided - he said - that such study does not quench the spirit of prayer and devotion.
St. Anthony spent the last years of his life at Padua, where he died at the age of 36. He was canonized the following year, and ever since is known as the Wonder-Worker for the innumerable miracles attributed to his intercession. He is usually presented with the Holy Infant in his arms, because one time he was seen holding the Child Jesus. He is also represented with a book, symbol of his exceptional knowledge of Holy Scripture, and a lily, symbol of his purity.
He is invoked to find lost articles because one day, when a novice ran away carrying off a Psalter, St. Anthony prayed for its recovery and the thief was compelled by an apparition to return it.
PrayerSaint Anthony, we turn to thee
When troubles sore, distress
Sure of your love for you didst know,
The Child’s soft caress,
For you didst hear his gentle voice,
Didst clasp him to thy breast,
Didst feel his pretty cheek ‘gainst thine,
His arms about thee pressed.
O gentle Saint tell him our needs,
His children too are we,
O ask Him now to grant our pray’rs
And we at peace shall be
We would, O blessed Saint, with thee
The Holy Child adore
With hearts as pure as thine dear Saint,
Now and forever more.
