Saint Anthony of Padua, born in 1195 in Lisbon, Portugal, began his religious life with the Congregation of Canons Regular of St. Augustine. Inspired by the martyrdom of Franciscan missionaries, he joined the Franciscans with the intention of preaching in Africa, although illness diverted him to Italy.
Recognized for his eloquence and theological teachings, he became a highly respected figure, achieving many conversions and being named Doctor of the Church.
St. Anthony was deeply devoted to prayer and service. His Mass sermons attracted large crowds and resulted in numerous conversions.
However, his health deteriorated and he died in 1231 at the age of 36. His legacy of miracles and his depiction with the Child Jesus underscore his profound impact, leading to his canonization shortly after his death. His life continues to be a testimony of faith and dedication, inspiring believers around the world.
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Important Churches in St. Anthony’s Life:
1. Lisbon Cathedral, Portugal
By Antonio Gil – Own work, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/
Saint Anthony of Padua was baptized in this cathedral, and the baptistery where he received the sacrament of baptism is still preserved. In addition, in this place he was instructed by the clergy and participated in the choir.
According to the cathedral’s website, on the wall of the staircase leading to the choir loft is the cross of St. Anthony.
It is said that, while he was a student at the cathedral school, the devil tried to tempt him in this area, but the future Franciscan and Doctor of the Church chased him away with a sign.
According to the magazine“Mensageiro de Santo António” of the Friars Minor Conventual, this event was also recorded in a song, which relates that the young Saint Anthony saw a beautiful Jewish woman passing near the cathedral.
He was so impressed by her beauty that one day, as he was climbing the stairs to the choir, the girl appeared to him smiling. In the midst of her bewilderment and desire, she invoked the Lord’s help and traced a cross, which made the demon disguised as a woman disappear.
The cathedral notes that this sign can be seen engraved on the wall and that this miracle may have been the saint’s first.
- For more information on this church, visit the Lisbon Cathedral website.
- Location: Largo da Sé 1, 1100-585 Lisbon, Portugal
2. Basilica of St. Anthony of Padua, Italy
By Tango7174 – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8981904
This Basilica of Saint Anthony (Santa Maria Mater Domini) is one of the largest churches in the world visited annually by more than 6.5 million pilgrims, making it one of the most revered shrines in the Christian world!
In this Basilica are kept the main relics of Saint Anthony, as well as his tomb. In the chapel of the relics, inside the Basilica, there is, in the central niche, the uncorrupt Tongue of Saint Anthony; above, the reliquary of the Saint’s chin, and above, the reliquary of the crystal cross. The chapel also houses the habit of Saint Anthony and the box containing his mortal remains.
- For more information about this church, visit the website of the Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua.
- Location: Piazza del Santo, 11, 35123 Padova PD, Italy
Prayers to St. Anthony of Padua:
1. The Miraculous Prayer
2. Prayer to Find a Husband or Wife
3. Prayer of Thanksgiving
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Where are the relics of Saint Anthony of Padua located?
The main relics of Saint Anthony are located in the Basilica of Saint Anthony in Padua, Italy. His tomb and sacred objects, such as his incorrupt tongue, his chin, and the box that contained his mortal remains, are preserved there. These relics are in the Treasury Chapel, where millions of pilgrims come each year to venerate them and ask for his intercession. This place is one of the most important shrines in the Christian world.
What did Saint Anthony of Padua do?
Saint Anthony dedicated his life to preaching and religious service. He joined the Franciscans inspired by the martyrdom of missionaries, intending to evangelize in Africa. However, an illness took him to Italy, where his sermons attracted crowds and achieved conversions. He was a fervent defender of the Catholic faith, known for his humility and devotion, which earned him the title of Doctor of the Church shortly after his death.
What miracles did Saint Anthony of Padua perform?
One of the first miracles attributed to Saint Anthony occurred in the Cathedral of Lisbon, where he drove away the devil with the sign of the cross. He is also credited with the appearance of the Child Jesus in his arms and the miraculous preservation of his tongue after his death. He had the gift of bilocation. His intercession continues to be sought by those in need of help in difficult situations.
Why is Saint Anthony represented with the Child Jesus?
The representation of Saint Anthony with the Child Jesus is based on his miraculous vision. The Child Jesus appeared in his arms, reflecting the tenderness and spiritual closeness that the saint had with God. This image symbolizes his purity and divine love. His life was marked by mystical experiences, such as the vision in the Cathedral of Lisbon, where the cross he traced to ward off a temptation is still preserved and engraved on the wall.
What is Saint Anthony of Padua asked for?
Saint Anthony of Padua is often invoked for help finding lost objects, finding a partner, or strengthening relationships. The faithful also turn to him to obtain urgent favors, solve economic problems, or find work. His reputation for performing miracles makes him one of the most beloved and venerated saints.
