Anthony of Padua, born Fernando de Bulhoes, was an incredible speaker, and throughout his life he used his gift of oratory to serve the Lord and the Church. Rather than be educated according to the wishes of his parents, Anthony entered the Augustinian Abbey of St. Vincent at the age of fifteen. While there, he encountered several Franciscan monks on their way to Morocco to preach to the Muslim population. Anthony admired the friars' simple and dedicated lifestyle, and when he heard that they had been martyred in Morocco, he determined to follow in their heroism and join the Franciscan Order himself.
St. Anthony set sail for Africa, but illness forced him to change his destination to Portugal. His ship, however, was caught in a storm and run aground on the coast of Sicily, where Anthony remained for some time to regain his health. From there he traveled to Assisi, seeking admission at a monastery, and after several days of searching he obtained a position as a priest in Montepaolo. One day, he accompanied the Provincial to an ordination attended by both Dominican and Franciscan brothers. When it was realized that no one had been assigned preacher, Anthony was commanded to speak at the pulpit. His words were so profound and enlightening that all present were astonished, and afterward he was commissioned by the Provincial to spread the Gospel throughout Northern Italy. After spending some time in France, Anthony returned to Italy and took on the position of envoy to Pope Gregory IX. His preaching was hailed across Italy, and he was made to give the Sermon on special feast days.
Anthony soon became ill with dropsy and set out on a woodland retreat in Camposampiero with two other friars. On his return trip to Padua, he passed away at the Poor Clare convent in Arcella, at the age of 36. It is said that children cried and church bells rang of their own accord during his funeral. He was canonized a year later, and his tongue remains even today in a reliquary, perfectly preserved.
Born Fernando Martins de Bulhoes | |
Entered the Augustinian Abbey of St. Vincent | |
Met five Franciscans on their way to Morocco and admired their simplistic lifestyle | |
Left St. Vincent to join the Franciscan Order | |
Sailed for Portugal but was overtaken by a violent storm and docked in Sicily | |
Found a position as a priest in Montepaolo | |
Commissioned to preach the Gospel throughout Northern Italy | |
Served as envoy to Pope Gregory IX | |
Went on a woodland retreat in Camposampiero | |
Died at a convent in Arcella | |
Canonized by Gregory IX |
St. Anthony of Italy in | Seven Champions by F. J. H. Darton |
St Anthony of Padua in | Stories of the Saints by Grace Hall |
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St. Anthony of Padua in Back Matter |
Elizabeth of Hungary | Widowed princess of Hungary who dedicated her life and wealth to helping the poor. |
Francisican Theologian and Philospher. Doctor of the Church. | |
Louis IX | Crusading king. Canonized as a saint for his concern and compassion for the poor. |