Saint Anthony of Padua {1195-1231} was a Franciscan priest and the best known follower of Saint Francis of Assisi and who was famous for his preaching, miracles and holy life, However, he is popularly known for his intercession when an item has been lost. He is often invoked with the familiar phrase: “Tony, Tony, come around, something’s lost and can’t be found.”
Finder of the Lost
Saint Anthony's reputation for finding lost articles stems from an incident in Bologna. Anthony had a book of Psalms that was important to him. It contained his notes and comments for teaching his seminary students. A novice who had chosen to leave the Franciscans had taken his Book of Psalms with him. Prior to the Invention of the printing press, books had to be hand-copied and thus was an item of great value. Franciscan Friars in particular, given their vow of poverty, would find such an item difficult to replace. When Anthony realized his Salter was missing, he prayed it would be found or returned. After which the thief was moved not only to return the book to Anthony but also to ask forgiveness and return himself to the order.
He loved the Word of God and was counted the greatest preacher of his day. He is the author of numerous sermons, many of which have been preserved through the centuries. Because of his teachings and example, Saint Anthony was declared a Doctor of the Church in 1946.
To help us appreciate the life of Saint Anthony (and not invoke him only when we lose our car keys) here are a few of his best quotes:
1) “Actions speak louder than words; let your words teach and your actions speak.”
2) “Attribute to God every good that you have received. If you take credit for something that does not belong to you, you will be guilty of theft.”
3) “Christians must lean on the Cross of Christ just as travelers lean on a staff when they begin a long journey.”
4) “The spirit of humility is sweeter than honey, and those who nourish themselves with this honey produce sweet fruit.”
A Miracle-Worker
Anthony’s preaching often produced miracles. Once, while preaching some heretics openly opposed Anthony. He left them and went to the river bank and there the fish humbled the heretics by coming near the shore to listen to Anthony’s sermon.
On another occasion, some heretics tried to eliminate him by poisoning his food at a banquet. When their treachery became known they challenged Anthony to eat the poisoned food because the Gospel of Mark says, if your faith is strong you can handle poisonous snakes and drink deadly poison and no harm will come to you. Anthony accepted the challenge, ate the poisoned meal and lived to tell of it.
- Today’s Readings
- Father Willy's inspirational homily was recorded live during Mass at the Father Peyton Center this morning. You can view the Mass (and the Rosary at the 30-minute mark) on the Family Rosary YouTube page.
- To join the Rosary and Mass Livestream, visit the Family Rosary YouTube or Facebook page at 11:30 a.m. Eastern, Monday – Friday. Consider inviting others to join too! (*If you are not a member of Facebook and a signup window appears, simply select the X at the top of the pop-up message and continue to the livestream.)
