Dinner with Saints
Welcome St. Anthony of Padua to the table!
Known for being the finder of lost things, St. Anthony is revered for his intercessions in various situations. Many of the faithful, including myself, have invoked his help countless times for locating misplaced items, and he has consistently come through without fail. St. Anthony's reputation for guiding lost souls and material possessions has made him a beloved figure in the Franciscan tradition.
A favorite in much of the Catholic world, St. Anthony of Padua has more cities and places named after him than any other saint—68. ( Franciscan Media)
Who knew?
Born Fernando Martins de Bulhões on August 15, 1195, in Lisbon, Kingdom of Portugal, Anthony embarked on his religious journey as an Augustinian at just 15 years old, later being ordained a priest at 19. Drawn to the humble Franciscan way of life after learning of the martyrdom of five Franciscans in Morocco, he received permission to join the Franciscan Order. Recognized by Francis of Assisi for his wisdom and abilities, Anthony was tasked with preaching and educating fellow Friars. By 1226, he was serving as the Provincial Superior in northern Italy, selecting Padua as his base. Falling ill on June 13, Anthony requested to return to Padua, where he passed away after receiving last rites. Canonized within a year, he was honored as a Doctor of the Church in 1946.
Choosing St. Anthony as a dinner guest would be an opportunity to express gratitude for the many lost items he has helped recover. More profoundly, he exemplifies total surrender to Christ and bold faith, qualities that resonated with me as an educator. Through his impactful preaching, teaching, and service to the marginalized, St. Anthony demonstrates the power of trusting in God and stepping outside one's comfort zone. His life serves as a reminder that with faith, all things are achievable.
To get to know St. Anthony even better please visit:
The St. Anthony Shrine :https://www.stanthony.org/who-st-anthony/
O gentle and loving Saint Anthony, whose heart was ever full of human sympathy, whisper my petition into the ears of the Infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms, and thee gratitude of my heart will always be yours. One Our Father, one Hail Mary, and Glory Be to the Father, in honor of Saint Anthony.
