Anthony of Padua

Saint Anthony of Padua was born in Lisbon, Portugal, on August 15, 1195, into a well-to-do family and was baptized Fernando Martins de Bulhões. As a young man he entered the Canons Regular, studying theology and Scripture with zeal, and after his ordination served humbly in hospitality. Inspired by the martyrdom of early Franciscans, he embraced the new Order of Friars Minor, taking the name Anthony, and longed to preach Christ even to the point of martyrdom. Illness thwarted his mission to Morocco, and providence carried him to Italy, where a hidden life of prayer prepared him for public ministry. His gift for preaching burst forth unexpectedly at Forlì, revealing a mind steeped in the Bible and a heart aflame with love for the poor and the sick. He became a trusted teacher of the Franciscans, an eloquent preacher across France and Italy, and a leader based in Padua. Remembered for miracles and for help in recovering lost things, he was canonized swiftly after his death in 1231 and later named a Doctor of the Church. His feast day is June 13.