San Antonio
Saint Anthony of Padua was a Franciscan friar, preacher, and Doctor of the Church. He was born in Lisbon, which is why he is also called Anthony of Lisbon, but he became famous through his preaching mission in Italy. Our Franciscan brother combined deep biblical knowledge with a heart for the poor. Today, millions around the world still turn to him, especially when something precious is lost.
San Antonio de Padua fue un fraile franciscano, predicador y Doctor de la Iglesia. Nació en Lisboa, razón por la cual también es llamado Antonio de Lisboa, pero alcanzó fama gracias a su misión de predicación en Italia. Nuestro hermano franciscano combinó un profundo conocimiento bíblico con un corazón atento a los pobres. Hoy en día, millones de personas en todo el mundo siguen acudiendo a él, especialmente cuando se ha perdido algo valioso.
Święty Antoni z Padwy był franciszkańskim zakonnikiem, kaznodzieją i Doktorem Kościoła. Urodził się w Lizbonie, dlatego nazywany jest także Antonim z Lizbony, lecz zasłynął dzięki swojej misji kaznodziejskiej we Włoszech. Nasz franciszkański brat łączył głęboką znajomość Biblii z sercem otwartym na ubogich. Dziś miliony ludzi na całym świecie wciąż zwraca się do niego, zwłaszcza gdy zaginie coś cennego.
Patron of lost things
Saint Anthony is best known as the saint people turn to when:
- something spiritual is lost (faith, hope, or a sense of meaning)
- something material is lost (keys, documents, wallets)
This devotion comes from a story in which a stolen manuscript was miraculously returned after Anthony prayed for it.
Why is he so well known?
- Widely regarded as one of the greatest preachers of the Middle Ages
- Possessed an extraordinary knowledge of Sacred Scripture
- His sermons deeply moved both ordinary people and scholars
Anthony had the rare gift of explaining complex theological truths with clarity, compassion, and passion.
Death and devotion
- Died very young, at only 36 years old
- Canonized just one year after his death, one of the fastest canonizations in Church history
- Feast day: June 13
Saint Anthony of Padua remains one of the most beloved saints worldwide (gentle, approachable, and powerful in intercession).
