Saint of the Day for 13 June: St. Anthony of Padua
St. Anthony of Padua: Life, Miracles and Devotion to the Saint of Miracles
Name
St. Anthony of Padua
Title
Priest and Doctor of the Church
Baptismal name
Fernando Martins de Bulhões
Birth
August 15, 1195, Lisbon, Portugal
Death
June 13, 1231, Arcella, Padua
Recurrence
13 June
Martyrology
2004 edition
Canonisation
May 30, 1232, Spoleto, Pope Gregory IX
Prayer
O glorious St. Anthony, admirable model of charity and goodness your great love for God and neighbor impels me to have recourse to you in my present needs. During your mortal life, you consoled every affliction, worked miracles of every kind and now in the sojourn of glory your power has not waned, come therefore to my aid. Speak for me a word to the Almighty Child whom you hold in your arms, do not make vain the hope I place in you, hasten to succor me for great is my tribulation. Renew for me one of those wonders that made you thaumaturge so that comforted in my pains I may raise to God the song of gratitude and love of your Saints. So be it.
Patron of
Montesilvano, Tagliacozzo, Capistrello, Scurcola Marsicana, Fara San Martino, Giuliano Teatino, Serramonacesca, Borrello, Palazzo San Gervasio, Stigliano, Oppido Lucano, Rotonda, Rotondella, Corleto Perticara, Balvano, Castelsaraceno, Sarconi, Gorgoglione, Cersosimo, Fardella, Amantea, Castiglione Cosentino, Fabrizia, Grisolia, Careri, Montegiordano, Cleto, Scala Coeli, Petrizzi, Carfizzi, Napoli, Afragola, Poggiomarino, Montecorvino Pugliano, Anacapri, Cerreto Sannita, Tramonti, Bisaccia, Casola di Napoli, Roccamonfina, Montefalcione, Mignano Monte Lungo, Caggiano, Marzano Appio, Pontelandolfo, Andretta, Pago del Vallo di Lauro, Castello del Matese, Paupisi, Reino, Fragneto l’Abate, Fontegreca, Conca dei Marini, Gallo Matese, Giano Vetusto, Ginestra degli Schiavoni, Vigarano Mainarda, Predappio, Ravarino, Voghiera, Bedonia, Gemona del Friuli, Palazzolo dello Stella, Anzio, Villa Latina, Collegiove, Roccavignale, Diano Arentino, Olivetta San Michele, Porto Mantovano, Mazzano, Peia, Schilpario, Battuda, Pedesina, Val Brembilla, Santa Maria Nuova, Carpegna, Santa Croce di Magliano, Ferrazzano, Montefalcone nel Sannio, Miranda, Longano, Roccasicura, Montorio nei Frentani, Conca Casale, Costigliole Saluzzo, Moncalvo, Piedimulera, Cascinette d’Ivrea, Isola Sant’Antonio, Albugnano, San Damiano Macra, Ceglie Messapica, Orta Nova, Monteroni di Lecce, Ruffano, Cutrofiano, Melissano, Poggiardo, San Paolo di Civitate, Soleto, Fragagnano, Castrignano de’ Greci, Minervino di Lecce, Nociglia, Zollino, Osilo, Lodè, Busachi, Austis, Villa Sant’Antonio, Fluminimaggiore, Favara, Gravina di Catania, Menfi, Nicolosi, Roccalumera, Bolognetta, Maletto, Valledolmo, Furnari, Cianciana, Camporeale, Poggioreale, Terranuova Bracciolini, Stazzema, Dro, Luserna, Castel Viscardo, Poggiodomo, Venezia, Padova, Albignasego, Cadoneghe, Rubano, Camposampiero, Mestrino, Villafranca Padovana, Limena, Zugliano, Saccolongo, Cartura, Veggiano, Sarmede, Castelnovo Bariano, Rivamonte Agordino
Protector
Of the hungry, animals, children, horses, pregnant women, fiancés, sailors, marriage, Native Americans, lost and found, the oppressed, fishermen, the poor, from infertility, travelers
Relics place
Basilica of St. Anthony of Padua
Official website
www.santantonio.org
Roman Martyrology
In Padua St. Anthony Portuguese, Priest of the Order of the Minorites, Confessor and Doctor of the Church, illustrious for his life, miracles and preaching, who, not yet a year having elapsed since his death, was ascribed by Pope Gregory the Ninth to the number of Saints.
The Saint and Mission
Saint Anthony of Padua is an extraordinary example of dedication and evangelical mission. Born in Portugal, he initially joined the Augustinian order, but his life took a decisive turn when he joined the Franciscans. His mission was characterized by a fervent desire to preach the Gospel and to live a life of poverty and simplicity, in line with the ideals of Saint Francis of Assisi. Saint Anthony’s mission took him to travel through Italy and France, where his eloquence and profound theological knowledge attracted immense crowds. He was known for his ability to communicate the truths of faith in an accessible and engaging way, managing to touch the hearts of people from all walks of life. His preaching was not limited only to words, but was also manifested through numerous miracles attributed to his intercession, which strengthened people’s faith and spread devotion to Christ. One of the most significant aspects of Saint Anthony’s mission was his commitment to the poor and marginalized. Not only did he preach love and justice, but he actively worked to alleviate the suffering of those in difficulty, showing God’s merciful love with deeds. His ability to identify with those in need and fight for their dignity made his ministry particularly effective and loved. Saint Anthony of Padua represents a model of how the Christian mission should be lived: with fervor, compassion and a profound sense of justice. His life is a living testimony of how faith can transform not only those who preach it, but also those who receive it. His legacy continues to inspire generations of believers to follow his example of total dedication to God and others.
The Saint and Mercy
Saint Anthony of Padua is a shining beacon of Christian mercy. His life and ministry reflect a deep and practical compassion for others. From a young age, Antonio showed extraordinary sensitivity towards the poor and marginalized, dedicating time and resources to alleviate their suffering. His preaching was not only eloquent, but was also imbued with a genuine love for humanity, capable of touching hearts and transforming lives. Antonio saw the face of Christ in every needy person, and this pushed him to incessant action for justice and charity. His mercy was manifested not only through words, but also through concrete acts of help and support. He did not limit himself to consoling with words of hope, but intervened directly to provide food, clothing and shelter to those in need. The miracles attributed to his intercession are a further sign of the divine mercy that acted through him. These miraculous events, which included healings and other extraordinary interventions, strengthened people’s faith and testified to God’s love at work in the world. Saint Anthony was known as the saint of miracles, a title that underlines how his life was a continuous demonstration of the power of divine mercy. His commitment to preaching the Gospel with love and living a life of selfless service has left an indelible mark on the Church and history. His legacy of mercy continues to inspire and guide the faithful around the world, reminding us that true Christian greatness is found in serving others with a heart full of love and compassion.
Hagiography
St. Anthony was born in Lisbon in 1195 to parents favored by God with spiritual riches and a certain wealth. After the early education he received in his father’s house from a canonical uncle, he continued his education in the bishop’s school attached to the Curia. With age he also grew in humility, combined with contempt for worldly glories; virtues that, together with his fame as a thaumaturge, would always distinguish him. Feeling inclined to solitude, the saint soon thought of retiring to a convent and…