13/06/2026
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St. Anthony of Padua was a Franciscan friar and a dedicated patron of the poor, and he is famously invoked for the return of lost property. He is also the patron saint of sailors, fisherfolk, priests, and travelers. For his theological knowledge and missionary work, Anthony has been proclaimed a Doctor of the Church, a title granted to Roman Catholic saints whose teachings have special authority.
Saint Anthony was born Fernando Martins de BulhΓ΅es into a wealthy family in Lisbon, Portugal and was raised in the church. He joined the Augustinian canons in 1210 and probably became a priest. In 1220 he joined the Franciscan order, taking the new name of Anthony (in honor of St. Anthony of Egypt) and hoping to preach to the Saracens (Muslims) and become a martyr. On his way to Morocco, he became seriously ill and was forced to return home. However, his ship back to Portugal was blown off course and eventually landed in Sicily. Because of his continuing poor health, he was not allowed to pursue his missionary work among the Saracens. Instead, he taught theology at Bologna, Italy, and at Montpellier, Toulouse, and Le Puy-en-Velay in southern France. His preaching also took him to Padua, where he is believed to have founded a Franciscan community. He won great admiration as a preacher and was noted for his simple yet profound teaching of the Roman Catholic faith. He died en route to Padua, where he is buried.
Anthony was the most celebrated of St. Francis of Assisiβs followers and had the reputation of being a miracle worker. One legend claims that Anthony had a precious psalter that was stolen from him by a novice who then left their Franciscan community. Anthony fervently prayed for the return of both the book and the novice, and his prayers were granted. Thus, he is commonly known as the patron saint of lost things. Anthony is also invoked by sailors and fisherfolk for their protection while at sea, perhaps because of his attempted journey to Morocco and his many other travels as a preacher.
Anthony of Padua was canonized as a saint in 1232, and made June 13 his feast day. On January 16, 1946, Pope Pius XII declared him a doctor of the church. In art he is shown with a book, a heart, a flame, a lily, or the Child Jesus.
PRAYER TO SAINT ANTHONY OF PADUA
O Holy St. Anthony gentlest of Saints, your love for God and charity for His creatures, made you worthy, when on earth, to possess miraculous powers. Encouraged by this thought, I implore you to obtain for me (request).
O gentle and loving St. Anthony, whose heart was ever full of human sympathy, whisper my petition into the ears of the sweet Infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms. The gratitude of my heart will ever be yours. Amen.
