Saint Anthony of Padua, a revered figure in the Catholic Church, was a renowned Franciscan friar and preacher who lived during the 12th and 13th centuries.
Saint Anthony's deep devotion to God, his profound knowledge of Scripture, and his eloquent preaching made him a beloved and influential figure in his time. He was known for his ability to connect with people from all walks of life, delivering sermons that touched hearts and stirred souls.
9 Things You May Not Know About Saint Anthony of Padua:
1.Born in Lisbon, Portugal in 1195.
2. His name at birth was Ferdinand. He took the name Anthony when he became a Franciscan friar.
3. He was a powerful teacher and preacher. He was involved in the work of Saint Francis of Assisi, his superior!
4. He is known as the "Saint of Miracles" and the “Hammer of the Heretics."
5. Pope Gregory IX, who personally knew Saint Anthony, canonized him only a year after he died.
6. Pope Leo XIII gave him the title of “the saint of the world” because he is venerated all over the world.
7. Saint Anthony of Padua is a Doctor of the Church.
8. Many Catholic singles ask him to bring them a holy spouse!
9. He is known as the patron saint of lost items, the poor, sailors, fishermen, priests, and travelers. He is also considered a protector, guardian, and wonder-worker.
Here is the unfailing prayer to Saint Anthony from the Saint Anthony Shrine:
O Holy Saint Anthony gentlest of Saints, your love for God and charity for His creatures made you worthy, when on earth, to possess miraculous powers. Encouraged by this thought, I implore you to obtain for me (request).
O gentle and loving Saint Anthony, whose heart was ever full of human sympathy, whisper my petition into the ears of the sweet Infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms. The gratitude of my heart will ever be yours.
Amen.
Here is the Saint Anthony prayer from EWTN:
O wonderful Saint Anthony, glorious on account of the fame of your miracles, and through the condescension of Jesus in coming in the form of a little child to rest in your arms, obtain for me of His bounty the grace which I ardently desire from the depths of my heart . (State your intention)
You who were so compassionate toward miserable sinners, regard not the unworthiness of those who pray to you, but the glory of God that it may once again be magnified by the granting of the particular request (State your intention) which I now ask for with persevering earnestness. Amen
Pray one Our Father,
one Hail Mary, and
Glory Be to the Father, in honor of Saint Anthony.