. St. Anthony of Padua

St. Anthony of Padua was born in Portugal and became an Augustinian monk at the age of 15. However, he soon was impressed by the sacrifices of the Franciscan Friars, especially of a group of Franciscans who were martyred for spreading the Gospel. St. Anthony joined the Order of Friars Moor, the Franciscans, and became a preacher in Morocco, a region often crossed by Crusaders on their way to the Holy Land. However, he became ill and was sent back to Portugal to recover. During the trip, his ship was blown off course, and he landed in Padua in Italy, where he would remain for the rest of his life.

When he arrived in Padua, it was fund that he had amazing gifts for speaking, a surprise to many since he was an unassuming man. In a short time, however, St. Anthony became well known as a magnificent preacher, sometimes attracting crowds of over 30,000 people. At times, he would hold mass in open field since the churches in Padua were not big enough to hold all the people who wanted to attend. Over the years, his sermons, as well as his personal efforts to achieve peace were so successful, that he became known as the "wonder worker".

St. Anthony is often called on today to help us find lost things. That's because there is a legend that a book that had been stolen from him was abruptly returned when Anthony prayed that it be found. In addition, people often take heart from his situation of being blown off course, only to find his greatest success. Like Anthony, they learn that their opportunities are directed by God, and use his example to adjust their actions to the new situation.

St. Anthony's feast day is June 13.


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