Saint Anthony of Padua

Franciscan Doctor of the ChurchBorn in Lisbon, Portugal, Aug. 15?, 1195; died in Arcella, near Padua, Italy, June 13, 1231.At his ordination he was recognized as an inspiring preacher.In 1223 Francis of Assisi appointed Anthony the first professor of theology for the friars; he is creditedwith introducing the theology of St. Augustine into the Franciscan Order.In popular devotion Anthony is venerated as the finder of lost objects; patron of lovers,of marriage, of pregnant women; as a helper against diabolic obsession, fever, animal diseases; and as the patron of miners. |