12/06/2025
Happy Feast of Saint Antony of Padua, Priest, Doctor.
St. Anthony of Padua was a Franciscan friar, a great preacher, and a powerful miracle worker. He is known as the patron saint of lost things, and is invoked for the return of lost property. He is also a patron of the poor and the elderly, and is venerated in both Portugal and Italy.
Here are 10 facts about St. Anthony of Padua:
1. Born Fernando Martins, St. Anthony was born in Lisbon, Portugal, in 1195. 2.
He joined the Franciscan Order: As a young man, he felt drawn to the Franciscan friars and took the name Anthony in honor of St. Anthony the Great, to whom the hermitage was dedicated.
3. A skilled preacher: St. Anthony was a brilliant preacher and a renowned theologian, known for his ability to connect with the people and deliver powerful sermons.
4. Miracle worker: He was known for performing miracles, including a famous one involving a mule and a consecrated Host.
5. Patron of lost things: St. Anthony is widely known and invoked for the return of lost objects.
6. Patron saint of Padua: He is the patron saint of the city of Padua, Italy, where he died and is buried.
7. Died on June 13, 1231: St. Anthony died while traveling back to Padua on June 13, 1231, at the age of 35.
8. Canonized in 1232: He was canonized by Pope Gregory IX in 1232.
9. Buried in Padua: His body was interred in the church of Santa Maria Mater Domini in Padua, near a convent he had founded.
10. Feast day: His feast day is celebrated on June 13.
