SAINT ANTOINE

SAINT ANTOINE

Saint Anthony of Padua is one of the most popular saints in the world, often invoked to find lost objects. Yet its history is much richer than this simple tradition.

Contrary to what his name suggests, he was not born in Padua but in Lisbon (Portugal) in 1195. His birth name was Fernando Martins de Bulhões

The Franciscan turn: Originally Augustine monk, he was shocked by the martyrdom of Franciscan missionaries in Morocco. He then decided to join the order of Saint Francis of Assisi and took the name of Anthony.

Engineering speaker: While he was destined for a discreet life, his talent for preaching was discovered by chance at a ceremony. He then becomes the first « Professor » of his order, traveling through Italy and the south of France (especially in Limoges and Montpellier) to teach.

Why are we praying for lost objects?

This tradition comes from a specific anecdote: Antoine had a psalmist (a book of psalms) annotated with his hand, very valuable for his teachings. A young novice decided to leave the order and fled by taking the book. Antoine prayed for his work to be returned. Not only did the novice turn back to return the book, but he also returned to the order.

In art, it is very easily recognized thanks to three elements:

The Child Jesus: Weared in his arms, following a mystical apparition that he would have had towards the end of his life.

Lys: Symbol of its purity and righteousness.

The Book: Representing His Science and Knowledge of the Scriptures.

His death: He died near Padua in 1231, only 36 years old, exhausted by his travels and preaching.

Canonization record: He was declared holy less than a year after his death (in exactly 352 days), which is one of the fastest procedures in the history of the Church.

Doctor of the Church: Like the two Saints Thérèse, he received this title (in 1946) for the depth of his theological doctrine.

He is today the patron saint of Portugal, of travelers, of the poor and, of course, of those who seek something!