Saint of the Day: June 13, 2024
St. Anthony was born Fernando Martins in Lisbon, Portugal. Raised in a wealthy family, he felt a calling to the religious life at an early age. By the age of fifteen, he joined the Abbey of Santa Cruz in Coimbra, where he studied theology and Latin.
Early Life and Ordination
Following his ordination to the priesthood, Fernando served as guestmaster at the abbey, managing hospitality for visitors. When Franciscan friars established a hermitage dedicated to St. Anthony of Egypt near Coimbra, Fernando felt a strong desire to join them. He eventually received permission to leave the Abbey and joined the Franciscans, adopting the name Anthony.
Missionary Work and Illness
Anthony’s missionary zeal led him to Morocco to preach, but he became severely ill and had to return to Portugal. However, his return voyage was blown off course, and he ended up in Sicily. From there, he traveled to Tuscany, where he was assigned to the hermitage of San Paolo due to his poor health. During his recovery, Anthony devoted himself to prayer and study.
The Gift of Preaching
An unexpected turn came when Dominican friars visited the Franciscans, leading to confusion about who would deliver a homily. Reluctantly, Anthony was asked to speak. His eloquent and moving homily impressed everyone present and news of his oratory skills quickly spread. Even St. Francis of Assisi, who was wary of intellectual pursuits potentially undermining the vow of poverty, recognized Anthony’s talents and entrusted him with teaching his fellow friars.
Miraculous Return of a Stolen Book
Anthony’s deep commitment to teaching was evident in his treasured book of psalms, filled with his notes. When a novice stole the book while leaving the hermitage, Anthony prayed fervently for its return. Miraculously, not only was the book returned, but the thief also rejoined the Order. This book is said to be preserved in the Franciscan friary in Bologna today.
Teaching and Preaching
Though he occasionally taught at the universities of Montpellier and Toulouse, Anthony’s true calling was preaching. His simple, clear, and powerful teachings made the Catholic Faith accessible to all, earning him the title Doctor of the Church by Pope Pius XII in 1946.
One of the most famous stories about Anthony involves his preaching to fish when heretics refused to listen to him. The fish gathered as if they were listening, leading the heretics to realize they should heed his words as well.
Death and Canonization
St. Anthony died at the young age of 35. He was canonized less than a year after his death by Pope Gregory IX. When his body was exhumed 336 years later, it was found to be corrupted except for his tongue, which remained incorrupt, symbolizing the perfection of his teachings.
St. Anthony is often depicted with a book and the Infant Child Jesus and is widely known as the “finder of lost articles.” He is venerated worldwide as the Patron Saint for lost articles and is credited with many miracles involving lost people, lost things, and even lost spiritual goods.
Reflection and Prayer
St. Anthony’s life is a testament to the power of faith, devotion, and the impact of clear and heartfelt preaching. His legacy as a preacher and miracle worker continues to inspire countless faithful around the world.
Prayer:
St. Anthony of Padua, you were a powerful preacher and a true servant of God, spreading His word with simplicity and clarity. Through your intercession, help us find what is lost, whether it be material items or spiritual peace. Guide us to live lives of devotion, humility, and charity. May your teachings continue to inspire us to grow in our faith and to seek God in all things. Amen.