Saint Anthony of Padua - June 13

Saint Anthony of Padua
June 13

Saint Anthony was born in 1195 in Lisbon, yet he took his surname from the Italian city of Padua where he lived out his later years and where his relics still lay in the Basilica of St. Anthony of Padua. 

At fifteen years of age, Saint Anthony entered the Congregation of Canons Regular of Saint Augustine, spending the next 10 years in seclusion devoted to scripture study and prayer. 

In 1220 the prince of Portugal, Don Pedro, brought back relics of Franciscan missionaries who had been martyred in Morocco.  These relics moved Saint Anthony to desire to die for his faith.  Knowing that there was little chance of this happening while he remained in seclusion, he requested admission to the Franciscan Order. 

As a Franciscan Saint Anthony was sent to Africa, but before his arrival on the continent, he became ill causing him to be sent back to Portugal.  Bad weather forced his ship off course and Saint Anthony ended up off the coast of Sicily. It is from there that he went to Assisi and met Saint Francis.   Saint Francis noted Saint Anthony as an eloquent speaker and sent him to preach throughout Italy and France. 

St. Anthony spent the last years of his life at Padua.  After receiving the last sacraments he looked upward with a smile on his face.  When he was asked what he saw there, he answered:  “I see my Lord.”  He died on June 13, 1231 at the age of 36.  In less than one year, he was canonized by Pope Gregory IX.  In 1946, Pope Pius XII made Saint Anthony a Doctor of the Church.  

Collect: “Almighty ever-living God,
who gave Saint Anthony of Padua to your people
as an outstanding preacher
and an intercessor in their need,
grant that, with his assistance,
as we follow the teachings of the Christian life,
we may know your help in every trial.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity
of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

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Anthony of Padua with the Infant Jesus – Antonio de Pereda
Anthony of Padua with the Child - Bartolome Esteban Murillo