Anthony of Padua
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Anthony of Padua born Fernando Martins de Bulhões (1195 –1231)[ - also known as Saint Anthony of Lisbon- was a Portuguese Catholic priest and friar of the Franciscan Order. He was born and raised by a wealthy family in Lisbon, Portugal, and died in Padua, Italy. Noted by his contemporaries for his powerful preaching, expert knowledge of scripture, and undying love and devotion to the poor and the sick, he was one of the most quickly canonized saints in church history. He was proclaimed a Doctor of the Church on 16 January 1946. Preacher to the Poor He was he was always on the road, preaching and teaching. He was phenomenally popular, sometimes attracting crowds of up to 30,000. When he approached a town he was about to preach in, the shops closed and the markets suspended business. In his messages, he often attacked the rich for their oppression of the poor, and he lambasted the moneylenders for charging exorbitant interest. He also spoke pointedly to church leaders if he knew they were not defending the poor. In 1230 Antony settled in Padua. The furious pace of Antony's life eventually took its toll, however. At only 36 years old, he died. Within six months of his death, Antony was canonized. |
Quotes
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"Our thoughts ought by instinct to fly upwards from animals, men and natural objects to their creator. If created things are so utterly lovely, how gloriously beautiful must he be who made them! The wisdom of the worker is revealed in his handiwork."
-Anthony of Padua (1195-1231) |
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Public Domain Image.
Image has been cropped. |
