June 13
Anthony of Padua, priest and doctor of the Church (1195–1231)
Franciscan priest and doctor of the Church
Saint Anthony of Padua is the saint of miracles, according to popular devotion, because he finds a good husband for the marriageable young woman, and reveals the things lost to his devotees; But a thousand times more important than all this is the testimony that, during his life, he gave to the faithful; a testimony of full dedication to the service of the Gospel.
Biography
Barely reaching the age of fifteen, he decided to follow Christ in the order of the Canons of Saint Augustine, with whom he began religious life, made his vows and finally became ordained a priest. In the year 1220, some Franciscans passed through his monastery in Coimbra, carrying with them the relics of their first martyrs, sacrificed for the Lord, in Morocco. Fernando felt electrified when he saw those bloody remains. He asked and obtained to join the order recently founded by Francis of Assisi. He also managed to go on a mission to North Africa. Some time later he was able to undertake the journey to Assisi, where Francis, the Poor Man of Christ, was celebrating the general chapter. Antonio was then destined to live in the hermitage of Montepaolo. There he lived in retirement dedicated to contemplation and study, until one day he suddenly preached, out of obedience, without prior preparation, a sermon so rich in doctrine and so moving, that the superiors immediately assigned him to preach. Since then he toured central and northern Italy, as well as part of France, causing numerous conversions. Antonio did not live for himself, but to help all kinds of Christians with the living word of the Gospel. His word, like that of Saint Paul, was not according to human wisdom, but was based on the power of God, who confirmed his speeches with splendid miracles. Pope Gregory IX, upon hearing him preach, exclaimed: "Anthony is the ark of the Old and New Testaments." He also stood out for his admirable prudence, which is why he was elected provincial of the Franciscans. His fragile health could not withstand such overwhelming fatigue and, on June 13, 1231, when he was barely 36 years old, he surrendered his spirit to the Lord. A year later Pope Gregory IX solemnly canonized him in view of the continuing miracles, which after his death, the Lord worked through his intercession. The fame of Saint Anthony continued to grow over the centuries and in 1946, Pope Pius XII granted him the title of Evangelical Doctor, which summarizes the life of the great miracle worker: LIVING AND TEACHING THE GOSPEL.
Practical advice
In a spirit of service, give up a comfort to remain faithful to your conscience, remembering that holiness is built in the ordinary.