Anthony of Padua (born 1195, Lisbon, Portugal—died June 13, 1231, Arcella, Verona [Italy]; canonized 1232; feast day June 13) was a Franciscan friar and a dedicated patron of the poor. Portugal and the city of Padua, Italy, claim him as their patron saint, and he is invoked for the return of lost property.
Saint Anthony of Padua, born in Lisbon, Portugal in 1195, was a man of deep faith and unwavering devotion to God. Originally named Fernando, he joined the Augustinian order at a young age but later transferred to the Franciscans, inspired by the martyrdom of Franciscan missionaries in Morocco. Taking the name Anthony, he dedicated his life to preaching the Gospel with passion and humility. Known for his profound knowledge of scripture, he became one of the most powerful and eloquent preachers of his time, drawing people of all walks of life closer to God through his sermons and teachings.
Anthony’s miracles are among the most extraordinary in the history of the Church, earning him the title "Wonder-Worker." One well-known miracle occurred when a young child drowned near the home of a desperate mother. She prayed fervently for Anthony’s intercession, and the child miraculously revived. Another famous story tells of a mule that knelt in adoration before the Eucharist, proving the Real Presence to a skeptical man. These and many other miracles are not just tales of wonder—they are testimonies of Anthony’s closeness to God and the power of prayer.
Despite his fame, Saint Anthony remained humble and deeply committed to the poor and suffering. He used his voice to speak against injustice, defend the oppressed, and bring hope to those in despair. His sermons were filled not only with wisdom but with compassion, often delivered in marketplaces and public squares so that even the simplest people could understand God’s love and mercy. He saw Christ in every person, and his actions reflected a life lived entirely for others.
Devotion to Saint Anthony continues to this day, especially among those seeking lost things or answers in times of need. His life reminds us that holiness is not just found in grand acts, but in daily faithfulness, service, and trust in God. He inspires believers to live with courage, charity, and humility. As we turn to him in prayer, we are invited to deepen our own relationship with God and to be instruments of His peace, just as Saint Anthony was in his lifetime.
Prayer for Grace
“Let us therefore pray to our Lord Jesus Christ that he give us the grace to seek his Kingdom and to build within ourselves a moral Jerusalem. By doing this, we will be able to merit our place in the heavenly Jerusalem to sing Alleluia in its streets with all the saints and angels. But the One whose Kingdom is eternal for all ages must help us to do so.”
Your Name Is Joy
“Sweet Jesus, is there anything sweeter than you? To remember you is more delightful than everything else. Your name is joy; it is the true gate of our salvation. What else are you, Jesus, if not our Savior? Be our Redeemer. Give us the virtues of hope and love, just as you have given us faith, our primary joy. Give us the words that we need to praise you always. With the help and through the prayers of your mother. You who are blessed throughout the ages. Amen.”
Behold the Cross
“Behold the Cross of the Lord! Begone, you evil powers! The Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered. Alleluia!”
Hear the Word of Joy
“To the ends of the earth…proclaim the word of joy…. ‘Ask, that your joy may be full.’ Proclaim it not only to the just who are in the Church’s midst, but to the outer bounds of the earth…., that is, outside the precepts of the Lord, which are for us the bounds within which we must live. Let them hear the word of joy so that they might obtain the full joy which has no bounds. May Jesus Christ lead us to this joy. Amen.”
Prayer for the Spirit of Salvation
“We beseech you, Lord Jesus, that in the seven brief days of this life you help us to conceive the spirit of salvation and bring to birth through a sorrowful heart an heir to eternal life. May we merit to drink from the river of living water and rejoice together with you in heavenly Jerusalem. Grant us this, you, who are blessed, glorious, laudable, lovable, sweet, and immortal through all centuries. And let every creature shout: Amen. Alleluia.”
