General presentation of Saint Anthony of Padua
Born Fernando Martins de Bulhões in 1195 in Lisbon, Saint Anthony of Padua was a Portuguese Franciscan priest known for his great scholarship and preaching talents. He joined the Order of Friars Minor in 1220 and became an influential disciple of Saint Francis of Assisi. Anthony is renowned for his knowledge of the Scriptures and for his many miracles. He is venerated worldwide as the saint of lost objects. He died in 1231 in Padua and was canonized in 1232, less than a year after his death, an exceptional timeframe in the Catholic Church. In 1946, he was proclaimed Doctor of the Church.
Correspondence chart of Saint Anthony of Padua
| Role | Franciscan priest and preacher |
| Patronage | Lost objects, the poor |
| Feast | June 13 |
Symbols and appearances of Saint Anthony of Padua
Saint Anthony is often depicted holding a lily and the Infant Jesus in his arms, a vision he reportedly had in Camposampiero. The lily symbolizes his purity, while the Infant Jesus illustrates his spiritual intimacy with Christ. Other symbols include the book, referring to his sermons and knowledge of the Scriptures, as well as the bread, recalling his charity towards the poor.
Myths of Saint Anthony of Padua
Saint Anthony is known for many miracles, including the "sermon to the fish," where he is said to have preached to fish in Rimini after being rejected by the local population. He is also famous for his role in converting Cathar heretics and for his sermons that attracted large crowds. He is traditionally invoked to find lost objects, thanks to his reputedly effective intercession in this area.
