Today is the Memorial of St Anthony of Padua. Who was he? Why is he the patron saint of lost things? Read more to find out.Anthony was actually born in Lisbon, Portugal in 1195 to a wealthy family. At the age of 15, St Anthony renounced his wealth and joined the Canons Regular of St Augustine. When he was 26 years of age, he witnessed five Franciscan Martyr’s bodies returning from Morocco.
St Anthony then decided to join the Friars Minor and set off to convert the Moors. On his way to Morocco he became seriously ill and had to return to Portugal. However, his ship blew off course and landed on the east coast of Sicily, Italy. After recovering with the help of the Friars at Messina, St Anthony then spent several years in a small heritage in Forli near Bologna. Here he passed his time praying, studying the Sacred Scriptures and carrying out menial tasks. This was a time of preparation for what the Lord had in store for him in the future.
In 1222 St Anthony was present at an ordination and afterwards at the meal no one was prepared to give a small sermon as the Provincial had requested. St Anthony unprepared stood up and his preaching made a deep impression on everyone. This was the catalyst for St Anthony teaching his fellow friars and preaching and teaching throughout Italy and France with great success. He was known besides his preaching and teaching as the Miracle Worker due to the many miracles that were attributed to him during his lifetime.
St Anthony died on his way back to Padua, Italy in 1231. He was canonised in 1232 by Pope Gregory IX and was made a Doctor of the Church by Pope Pius XII in 1946.
“The Saints are like stars. In his providence Christ conceals them in a hidden place that they may not shine before others when they might wish to do so. Yet they are always ready to exchange the quiet of contemplation for the works of mercy as soon as they perceive in their heart the invitation from Christ.” (Sermon of St Anthony)
Why is St Anthony the Patron of Lost Things?
A novice decided to depart the monastic community and on leaving he stole St Anthony’s psalter (book of psalms) which also contained his personal notes and thoughts. Upon realizing his psalter was missing, St Anthony prayed it would be found or returned to him. And after his prayer the thieving novice was moved to return the psalter to Anthony and also to return to the Order, which accepted him back. The stolen book is said to be preserved in the Franciscan friary in Bologna. However, more importantly he is Patron of lost souls, as he spent his entire life in service of the Lord, seeking to save souls.
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