St Anthony of Padua is one of the Catholic Church’s most popular saints. A powerful preacher and Doctor of Church, he is saint of lost or stolen articles. Born in 1195 into the wealthy family in Lisbon St Anthony was christened by Fr Fernando. At the age of 15, he entered the religious order of St Augustine and later became a priest.
His life took a crucial turn when the bodies of first five Franciscan martyrs were returned from Morocco. The Franciscans were preaching Christ in the Muslim-dominated Seville where they were in danger of being martyred, but the sultan allowed them to travel to Morocco. They were tortured and beheaded for preaching Christianity. While this was a tragic and sad event, it served as an inspiration to Fr Fernando. He made a life-changing decision to become a Franciscan and serve as a witness for Christ and, if God so desired, a martyr.
The young Augustinian Fernando took vows of the Franciscan Order and assumed the name Anthony in honour of the patriarch of hermits. He travelled to Morocco, but after becoming seriously ill, he realised he needed to return. After encountering storms on the way back, the ship landed on the east coast of Sicily.
Anthony’s great gift of preaching was revealed at a gathering of Dominicans and Franciscans. Following their meal, the provincial superior suggested that one of the friars give a short sermon. With no volunteers, Anthony was asked to say ‘something simple.’ He spoke so passionately that everyone was impressed by his abilities and knowledge. Anthony was sent to northern Italy to preach.
A simple and humble friar, Anthony preached with love and bravery, but not everyone listened. According to legend, when faced with deaf ears, Anthony went to the river and preached to the fish.
Stuck with illness, he decided to return to Padua, but had to detour through Arcella. Recognizing that death was near, he received the last sacraments. He died on June 13, 1231. In response to the numerous miracles that occurred, Pope Gregory IX declared Anthony a saint, eleven months after his death. When his tomb was opened 32 years after his death, his tongue was found incorrupt- a gift granted to him for he always prayed: “Lord, help me that my tongue may strike like an arrow to proclaim your wonders.”
The reason for seeking St Anthony’s aid in recovering lost person or stolen items can be traced back to an incident in his life. Anthony had a Psalter in which he had written notes to teach his students. A novice who had grown tired of Seminary life defected from the Order, stealing Anthony’s Psalter. When he realised his Psalter had gone missing, Anthony prayed in front of the Blessed Sacrament. His wish was granted.
St Anthony’s statue can be found in several churches, chapels, and houses. Novenas are held on Tuesdays- the day Anthony was buried. The feast of Antony’s tongue is celebrated at the Deussua Chapel, Chinchinim. St Anthony is the only saint whose feast is celebrated after 13-day Trezena. He is the patron saint of the poor, sailors, fishermen, travellers, a protector and guardian of the mails, and wonder-worker.
