On June 13, the Catholic Church celebrates the liturgical feast of Saint Anthony of Padua, Doctor of the Church and patron of the poor, recognized for his extraordinary gift of miracles.
San Antonio de Padua He is very beloved among Catholics and enjoys worldwide fame for performing prodigious acts, to the point that he is recognized as the greatest miracle worker (gift of performing miracles) of all time. However, there are other aspects of his life that perhaps not many know and that can help us in our Christian life.
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For example, the saint used to say: “If you preach Jesus, He softens hard hearts; If you invoke him, he sweetens bitter temptations; If you think about Him, it lights up your heart; If you read it, it satisfies your mind.”
Below are ten facts that you may not have known about Saint Anthony of Padua:
1. What is the real name of Saint Anthony of Padua?
He was born in 1195 in Lisbon (Portugal). His name was Fernando de Bulloes and Taveira de Azevedo. At age 25 he adopted the name Antonio when he became a Franciscan.
2. He was an Augustinian before becoming a Franciscan
At the age of 15 he joined the Canons Regular of Saint Augustine. Ten years later he joined the Franciscan Friars Minor.
3. Saint Anthony of Padua could have been a martyr
He decided to join the Friars Minor to preach to the Saracens and was willing to die for love of Christ. He went to Morocco, but a severe illness forced him to return.
4. He was a great preacher
He had a clear and strong voice, an imposing disposition, a prodigious memory and profound knowledge, the spirit of prophecy and an extraordinary gift of miracles.
5. Why is Saint Anthony of Padua represented with a Baby Jesus in his arms?
He witnessed an apparition of the Child Jesus, whom he held in his arms. For this reason, in the images of the saint he is represented next to the Christ Child.
6. The most famous miracle of Saint Anthony of Padua
In the city of Padua (Italy), a young man named Leonardo kicked his own mother in a fit of rage. Repentant, he confessed his fault to Saint Anthony, who told him: “The foot of him who kicks his own mother deserves to be cut off.”
Leonardo ran home and cut his foot. Learning of this, Saint Anthony took the young man’s amputated limb and miraculously reunited it with the body.
7. They know him as the most miraculous saint
His fame for performing prodigious acts has never diminished and even today he is recognized as the greatest miracle worker of all time.
8. He is “the saint of the whole world”
Leo XII called him “the saint of the whole world”, because everywhere you can find his image and devotion. He is the patron saint of the poor, travelers, bricklayers, bakers and stationers.
9. They go to him to ask for a good husband or wife
For this reason some people turn their image upside down.
10. His canonization was one of the fastest in history
Pope Gregory IX canonized him less than a year after his death, on May 30, 1232.
Originally published June 12, 2022. It has been updated for republication.
Central Editorial
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