- Anthony of Padua, Saint
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died June 13, 1231, Arcella, Verona; canonized 1232; feast day June 13Franciscan friar, Doctor of the Church, and patron saint of Portugal.He joined the Augustinian order in 1210 and was probably ordained a priest. He joined the Franciscans in 1220 with the goal of seeking martyrdom among the Muslims but instead became a teacher of theology in Bologna, Italy, and in southern France. The most beloved of the followers of St. Francis, he was known as a great preacher and miracle worker. He was buried in Padua, Italy, and he is the patron of that city. He is also invoked for the return of lost property.
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▪ Portuguese friarborn 1195, Lisbon, Portugaldied June 13, 1231, Arcella, Verona [now in Italy]; canonized 1232; feast day June 13Franciscan friar, doctor of the church, and patron of the poor. Baptized Ferdinand, he joined the Augustinian canons (1210) and probably became a priest. In 1220 he joined the Franciscan order, hoping to preach to the Saracens and be martyred. Instead, he taught theology at Bologna, Italy, and at Montpellier, Toulouse, and Puy-en-Velay in southern France, winning great admiration as a preacher. He died en route to Padua, Italy, where he is buried.Anthony was the most celebrated of St. Francis of Assisi (Francis of Assisi, Saint)'s followers and had the reputation of a miracle worker. On January 16, 1946, Pope Pius XII declared him a doctor of the church. Padua and Portugal claim him as their patron saint, and he is invoked for the return of lost property. In art he is shown with a book, a heart, a flame, a lily, or the child Jesus. Among his authentic writings are sermons for Sundays and feast days, published at Padua in three volumes in 1979.Additional ReadingRaphael M. Huber, St. Anthony of Padua, Doctor of the Church Universal (1948); Mabel A. Farnum, Saint Anthony of Padua: His Life and Miracles (1948); Sophronius Clasen, St. Anthony, Doctor of the Gospel (1961, reissued as St. Anthony, Doctor of the Church, 1987).* * *
Universalium. 2010.
