Saints Library · Making Peace

St. Anthony of Padua

Patron of the poor and finder of lost things

Current Church statusSaint
Feast / commemorationJune 13
Remembered asPatron of the poor and finder of lost things
BirthplaceLisbon
Country / regionKingdom of Portugal
Period1195–1231
Religious familyFranciscans

Life and historical setting

Anthony of Padua (1195–1231) is remembered in the Church as patron of the poor and finder of lost things. The supplied Catholic source associates this life with Lisbon.

Documented offices and forms of service associated with Anthony of Padua include Catholic priest, Catholic theologian, university teacher. The religious family connected with this vocation is Franciscans.

Anthony of Padua entered the Order of Friars Minor, to travel to Morocco, a commitment that shaped the vocation that followed.

The enduring witness of Anthony of Padua is especially connected with gospel encounter and discipleship, prayer and contemplation, and conversion and moral renewal. Dates, offices, and institutions are presented as biographical facts, while later devotional interpretation is kept distinct from the historical outline.

Vocation and witness

These themes were identified from the supplied source record and provide a structured guide to the life.

Gospel encounter and discipleship

The supplied account connects this life directly with Christ, the Gospel, or the apostolic witness.

Prayer and contemplation

Prayer, contemplation, or a disciplined interior life is a significant part of the recorded witness.

Conversion and moral renewal

The narrative emphasizes repentance, conversion, reform, or a decisive return to God.

Pastoral and ecclesial leadership

The account includes pastoral, monastic, or ecclesial leadership exercised for the good of the Church.

Martyrdom and sacrifice

The source presents suffering or death borne in fidelity to Christ and the faith.

Reconciliation and peace

The source presents holiness through patience, reconciliation, and unity in Christ.

Spiritual legacy

The enduring witness of Anthony of Padua is especially connected with gospel encounter and discipleship, prayer and contemplation, and conversion and moral renewal. Dates, offices, and institutions are presented as biographical facts, while later devotional interpretation is kept distinct from the historical outline.

Prayerful reflection

God of holiness, through the witness of Anthony of Padua, strengthen us in reconciliation, peace, forgiveness, and unity rooted in truth and charity. Keep our attention fixed on Jesus Christ, and teach us to answer grace faithfully in the duties, relationships, and needs placed before us. Amen.

Historical and liturgical note

Current Vatican News calendar listing; local and religious calendars may add other observances.

Dates, offices, and institutions are presented as biographical facts, while later devotional interpretation is kept distinct from the historical outline.

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