June 13
Saints of the Day

Saint Anthony of Padua, 1195-1231
One of the most beloved of saints, Doctor of the Church, a gifted speaker, great in Scriptures, a wonder miracle-worker. Tongue incorrupt in Lisbon

    His birth name is Fernando
    He was born in Lisbon, Portugal
    He died at the age of 36, after 10 years with the Augustinian Canons Regular and 11 with the Franciscan Friars Minor.

    A great theologian and master of Scriptures: Anthony became the first friar to teach theology to the other friars. Soon he was called from that post to preach to the heretics, to use his profound knowledge of Scripture and theology to convert and reassure those who had been misled.

    We may wonder why we always see Saint Anthony with the Child Jesus in his arms. The account of this heavenly visitation was told only after his death, at the official process concerning his virtues and miracles. It was narrated by the man who witnessed the marvel in question; the Saint himself had never spoken of it. Saint Anthony was in the region of Limoges in France, and was offered hospitality, rest and silence by this businessman of the region, in his country manor. He was given a room apart, to permit him to pray in peace; but during the night his host looked toward his lighted window and saw in the brilliance a little Infant of marvelous beauty in the arms of the Saint, with His own around the Friar’s neck. The witness trembled at the sight, and in the morning Saint Anthony, to whom it had been revealed that his host had seen the visitation, called him and enjoined him not to tell it as long as he was alive.

    He whom popular devotion has nominated as finder of lost objects found himself by losing himself totally to the providence of God... actually, Anthony should be the patron of those who find their lives completely uprooted and set in a new and unexpected direction. Like all saints, he is a perfect example of turning one's life completely over to Christ.

Born 1195 at Lisbon, Portugal, as Fernando

Died 13 June 1231 in Padua

Canonized 30 May 1232 by Pope Gregory IX at Spoleto, Italy

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Saint Anthony Books [6 titles]
Saint Anthony Chaplets [3 chaplets]
Saint Anthony Holy Cards [5 cards]
Saint Anthony Medals [12 medals]
Saint Anthony Music [1 recording]
Saint Anthony Statuary [5 statues]
 

Additional Information and prayers:

http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/sainta01.htm
http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintOfDay/default.asp?id=1413
http://www.magnificat.ca/cal/engl/06-13.htm

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Readings

The saints are like the stars. In his providence Christ conceals them in a hidden place that they may not shine before others when theymight wish to do so. Yet they are always ready to exchange the quietof contemplation for the works of mercy as soon as they perceive intheir heart the invitation of Christ.

Saint Anthony of Padua

---

Actions speak louder than words; let your words teach and your actions speak. We are full of words but empty of actions, and therefore are cursed by the Lord, since he himself cursed the fig tree when he found no fruit but only leaves. It is useless for a man to flaunt his knowledge of the law if he undermines its teaching by his actions.

But the apostles "spoke as the Spirit gave them the gift of speech." Happy the man whose words issue from the Holy Spirit and not from himself!

We should speak, then, as the Holy Spirit gives us the gift of speech. Our humble and sincere request to the Spirit for ourselves should be that we may bring the day of Pentecost to fulfillment, insofar as he infuses us with his grace, by using our bodily senses in a perfect manner by keeping the commandments. Likewise we shall request that we may be filled with a keen sense of sorrow and with fiery tongues for confessing the faith so our deserved reward may be to stand in the blazing splendor of the saints and to look upon the triune God.

from a sermon by Saint Anthony of Padua