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Our Patron Saint Feast
Day: 13th June
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St
Anthony of Padua
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About St Anthony
. . . . . . . . . . St Anthony was born in Lisbon, Portugal, in 1195, to a noble family and was called Ferdinand. His wealthy family wanted him also to be a great nobleman, but for the sake of Christ he became a poor Franciscan. When he was fifteen he joined the Augustinian Order. Just after being ordained, he met the first Franciscans from Assisi. Deeply impressed by the heroism of these friars, he decided to join the Franciscans and went to Morocco, changing his name to Anthony. When he became ill he returned home to Portugal, but on the way his ship was blown off course in a hurricane and landed in Sicily. Some time later he went to Assisi where he met Saint Francis. From there he was sent to the hermitage of Monte Paolo where he worked and prayed. At an ordination ceremony Anthony delivered a sermon which amazed his audience. For the rest of his life, preaching, more than anything else, was his work. During his preachings in Padua, Anthony was outspoken against the charging of excessive interest on loans of money which was a predominant vice in that area. When poor people could not meet the exorbitant demands of the moneylenders they were thrown into prison. By preaching Christian charity, Anthony was able to curb the vicious practice. He worked for the poor, the oppressed and those most in need of charity and justice for the rest of his short life. He died in Arcella on 13th June 1231. Only 11 months later, on 30th May 1232, Anthony was canonized by Pope Gregory IX. He was declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Pius XII in 1946. |
PRAYERS TO ST ANTHONY O God, our good and merciful Father, who chose Saint Anthony as a witness to the Gospel and a messenger of peace among your people, hear the prayer that we send to you through the Saint's intercession. Sanctify our families, and help them grow in faith. May our homes be blessed with unity, peace and serenity. Bless our children and protect our young. Lend your help to those who are afflicted by sickness, suffering or solitude. Help us face our everyday trials by giving us your love. Through Christ, Our Lord, Amen.  Remember,
O Saint of Miracles, that you have never failed to help and to console
anyone who has ever sought you in his need. I, too, come to thee who
are so rich in graces and who are the favoured friend of the Infant
Jesus, conifdent that I do not pray in vain.Eloquent preacher of the infinite mercy of God, refuse not my prayer, but take my petition before the throne of God, so that I may have help and strength in my present trial and necessity. Listen, together with my voice, to that of your Little Friars and little Orphans who ask you a grace for me. Amen O gentle and loving Saint Anthony, you whose heart was ever full of human sympathy, whisper my prayer to the ears of the infant Jesus, who loved to linger in your arms. One word from you and my prayer will be granted. Speak that word and the gratitude of my heart will ever be yours. Click here to visit the St Anthony of Padua website in Italy |
