St. Anthony of Padua
Feast Day: June 13
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Anthony of Padua was one of the greatest preachers of all time. As he preached about God, heretics gave up false beliefs; atheists found God; Christians served others.
Anthony was born in Lisbon, Portugal, in 1195. His father had been a Crusader. But when Anthony was 15, he became an Augustinian Canon. Daily, he prayed and studied the Bible.
Inspired by the death of the early Franciscan martyrs, Anthony became a Franciscan Friar in 1221, when he was 26. That same year, someone asked Anthony—on the spur of the moment—to preach a sermon. His understanding of Scripture astounded the congregation. Soon, he began traveling throughout Italy and into France to preach the good news of God’s love.
In his homilies, Anthony emphasized social justice. He encouraged everyone to follow Jesus by serving others. And always, he lived what he preached. He worked to abolish debtors’ prisons; he helped the poor; he reached out to non-believers.
In 1231, when Anthony was 36, he died. Soon, people began reporting miracles that happened when they prayed to Anthony for help. So within a year, the Church declared him a saint. He became known as a great wonder-worker. Because Anthony helped people find God, many people today ask him to help them find lost articles.
Artists usually show Anthony holding the Christ Child and talking to him. This is because someone reported seeing this happen when he visited Anthony. Wonder-worker, preacher, friend to all—that was Anthony of Padua.
Connecting to Faith First® Legacy Edition
Grade 4, chapter 6
Connecting to Faith First®
Grade 4, chapter 6
Junior High, Liturgy and Morality, chapter 22