St. Anthony of Padua was born in Lisbon, Portugal, in 1195 as the son of an army officer named Martin and a virtuous woman named Mary. His affluent and noble family arranged for him to attend the local cathedral school. At 15, he joined the Canons Regular of St Augustine. But the sight of the bodies of the first Franciscan Martyrs brought back from Morocco 10 years later inflamed him with a desire for martyrdom. His brethren, therefore, permitted him to join the newly founded Mendicant Order of St Francis D' Assisi. Anthony was sent to Morocco at his own request but, falling seriously ill, was forced to return to Italy. He was then assigned to a small hermitage where he meditated, studied Scripture, and performed menial activities. His remarkable gift of preaching was discovered only when he was urged sometime later to say a few words at an ordination ceremony.
Anthony could explain the Holy Scripture so profoundly and lucidly that St Francis wrote to him thus: "It is my desire that you teach theology to the brethren, provided, however, that the spirit of prayer and devotion be not extinguished." God also granted him the gifts of miracles, of tongues, and of prophecy. Anthony was incredibly humble and saw his preaching, ministry, and even his entire life as a service. As a result, he won over countless souls for Christ. Among the remarkable accounts shared by his biographers, one recounts a horse abstained from eating for three days and humbly bowed before the Holy Eucharist held by Anthony. In another extraordinary event, he consumed a poisoned meal unharmed by invoking the sign of the Cross. A widely known miracle involved a group of fish that emerged from the sea to listen to his preaching, as heretical residents refused to heed his words.
After the Lenten season in 1231, Anthony's health began to decline. Following in the footsteps of his patron, the earlier St. Anthony, who lived as a hermit, he withdrew to a secluded place accompanied by two faithful companions. As his condition worsened, he was carried back to the Franciscan monastery in Padua. A multitude of people gathered, hoping to pay their respects to the revered priest. However, due to the overwhelming commotion, his attendants were compelled to halt their journey before reaching their intended destination. Having received the last sacraments, Anthony fervently prayed the Church's seven traditional penitential psalms, singing a hymn in honor of the Virgin Mary.
On June 13, at the tender age of 36, this holy servant of God peacefully passed away, leaving a legacy of faith and miracles. Recognizing his holiness and countless miracles, Pope Gregory IX canonized Anthony a year after his death. The pope declared, "St. Anthony, residing now in heaven, is honored on earth by many miracles daily seen at his tomb." When his tomb was later opened, they found that his body had been reduced to dust and bones, but his tongue was intact and life-like. He is the Patron of Portugal, of travelers, of pregnant and barren women, of the poor, and for recovering lost articles.
Almighty ever-living God, who gave Saint Anthony of Padua to your people as an outstanding preacher and an intercessor in their need, grant that, with his assistance, as we follow the teachings of the Christian life, we may know your help in every trial.
Jonathan Fabian Ginunggil,
Most High Servant,
Jesus, Mary, Joseph Ministry of Love (Blessed and Saints and the Nine Choirs of Angels)
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