Feast Day: June 13
Doctor of the Church | Patron of the Poor, Lost Things, and Preachers
Early Life and Conversion
Saint Anthony was born in Lisbon, Portugal, in 1195, to noble parents. His baptismal name was Fernando Martins de Bulhões. Educated by the cathedral clergy, he entered the Canons Regular of St. Augustine at the age of fifteen, desiring a life of study and prayer. He was transferred to the monastery of Santa Cruz in Coimbra, a center of learning, where he studied theology and Latin.
However, his heart was stirred when the relics of the first Franciscan martyrs, who had been beheaded in Morocco in 1220, were brought back to Coimbra. Fernando was moved by their sacrifice and longed for martyrdom. He left the Augustinians, took the name Anthony, and entered the Order of Friars Minor, newly founded by Saint Francis of Assisi.
Missionary Zeal and Hidden Humility
Saint Anthony set out to preach in Morocco, but fell severely ill upon arrival and was forced to return home. Providence, however, diverted his ship to Sicily, from where he traveled to Assisi, meeting Saint Francis in 1221 at the famous Chapter of Mats. At first, Anthony lived in obscurity, undertaking humble tasks in a small hermitage.
His deep knowledge of Scripture and theology was discovered by chance when he was asked to preach at a Dominican ordination, and all were astonished by his eloquence and wisdom. Saint Francis, upon hearing of his gifts, gave him permission to teach theology, saying: “Let him teach the brethren theology, but in such a manner that the spirit of prayer be not extinguished, either in himself or in the other brethren.”
Preacher, Miracle Worker, Hammer of Heretics
Saint Anthony’s reputation as a preacher soon spread far and wide. He was called the Hammer of Heretics for his fervent refutation of heresies, especially Albigensianism in southern France and Italy. His sermons drew thousands, and conversions abounded. Churches could not contain the crowds; he often preached in open fields. People came not only for his words, but also for the many miracles that accompanied his ministry.
Among the most famous miracles:
- The Sermon to the Fishes: When heretics refused to listen, he went to the seashore and preached to the fish, which gathered and lifted their heads above the water to listen.
- The Mule and the Eucharist: To demonstrate the Real Presence, he challenged a heretic to bring a hungry mule, which knelt before the Blessed Sacrament instead of food.
- Bilocation, healing the sick, and reading hearts were also attributed to him.
Final Years and Death
Worn out by labor and fasting, Anthony withdrew to a hermitage near Padua. Even there, crowds followed him. He died on June 13, 1231, at age 36, at the Poor Clare convent at Arcella near Padua. As he lay dying, he was heard to whisper, “I see my Lord.”
His canonization was one of the swiftest in Church history — only 11 months after his death, by Pope Gregory IX. In 1946, Pope Pius XII declared him a Doctor of the Church, giving him the title Doctor Evangelicus — Evangelical Doctor.
Legacy
- His tongue remains incorrupt to this day, venerated in Padua, a sign of his sanctified preaching.
- He is invoked worldwide to help recover lost items, stemming from an incident in which a novice stole a valuable manuscript and returned it through Anthony’s intercession.
- The “Tuesday devotion” to Saint Anthony stems from miracles reported on that day of the week.
Spiritual Character
Saint Anthony exemplifies the Franciscan spirit: humble, poor, joyful, and aflame with love for Christ. His doctrine was always directed toward converting souls and edifying the faithful. He combined learned theology with simple love, and powerful words with a holy life.