Anthony of Padua

(Fernando de Bulhoes)

1195–1231
ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA

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.


Key events during the life of St. Anthony of Padua:


Year
Event
1195
Born Fernando Martins de Bulhoes
1210
Entered the Augustinian Abbey of St. Vincent
1219
Met five Franciscans on their way to Morocco and admired their simplistic lifestyle
1220
Left St. Vincent to join the Franciscan Order
1221
Sailed for Portugal but was overtaken by a violent storm and docked in Sicily
  Found a position as a priest in Montepaolo
1224
Commissioned to preach the Gospel throughout Northern Italy
1226
Served as envoy to Pope Gregory IX
1231
Went on a woodland retreat in Camposampiero
1231
Died at a convent in Arcella
1232
Canonized by Gregory IX

Other Resources


Story Links
Book Links
St. Anthony of Italy  in  Seven Champions  by  F. J. H. Darton
St Anthony of Padua  in  Stories of the Saints  by  Grace Hall


Image Links


St. Anthony of Padua
 in Back Matter


Contemporary
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