On June 13, Catholics around the world celebrate the feast of Saint Anthony of Padua, one of the Church’s most beloved saints. Known as the “finder of lost things,” Saint Anthony is much more than a heavenly help for misplaced keys—he was a powerful preacher, a devoted servant of the poor, and a man so close to God that even the miracles surrounding his life could not be counted.
A Humble Beginning, a Fiery Calling
Born in Lisbon, Portugal, in 1195, Saint Anthony was originally named Fernando. He first joined the Augustinian Canons but was later drawn to the Franciscans when he encountered the martyrdom of five friars who died preaching in Morocco. Inspired by their courage, he took the name Anthony and set out to preach the Gospel with the same fearless spirit.
Though he desired martyrdom, illness kept him from reaching his mission destination in Africa. Providence brought him instead to Italy, where his gifts would shine not through death, but through life-giving words.
Preacher, Teacher, Miracle-Worker
Saint Anthony was a quiet and humble friar—until he was asked to preach. Suddenly, his deep understanding of Scripture and his burning love for Christ flowed out in sermons that moved hearts and converted souls. He became known as the “Hammer of Heretics” for his ability to preach truth with clarity and love.
He taught theology to his fellow Franciscans and was the first friar entrusted with this task by Saint Francis himself. But Anthony never lost touch with the poor and simple people. He spent his days feeding the hungry, comforting the sick, and walking among those who needed a friend.
Countless miracles were reported during his life—healing the sick, multiplying food, calming storms, and even raising the dead. After his death in 1231 at just 36 years old, miracles continued through his intercession, and he was canonized less than a year later—one of the quickest canonizations in Church history.
The Patron of Lost Things—And Lost Souls
Perhaps most famously, Saint Anthony is invoked to help find lost items. This devotion is rooted in a story where a novice stole a valuable book Anthony had used for teaching. Anthony prayed, and the novice not only returned the book but also returned to the Order, repentant and renewed. Over time, his intercession became associated with recovering not just lost possessions, but lost faith, lost peace, and even lost people.
A Message for Today
Saint Anthony’s life reminds us that holiness is not reserved for those in distant places or grand positions. His story is one of detours, disappointments, and divine surprises. He speaks to anyone who feels lost—whether physically, emotionally, or spiritually—and gently guides us back to the heart of Christ.
On this feast day, we are invited to imitate Anthony’s faith, humility, and love for the Word of God. Let us not only ask for his help when we lose our keys, but also when we lose our way. His life shows us that every soul, no matter how far it has strayed, can be found again in the arms of the Good Shepherd.
Saint Anthony of Padua, pray for us.
