If you’ve ever lost your keys, your wallet, or (let’s be honest) your mind while searching for something, you might have heard someone say, “Pray to St. Anthony!”
But who exactly is St. Anthony of Padua, and why do so many people turn to him when they need help finding lost things? There’s a lot more to this beloved saint than just helping us locate our missing socks. Let’s dive into his story!
From Portugal to Padua: The Life of St. Anthony
St. Anthony wasn’t actually born in Padua, Italy—he was born in Lisbon, Portugal in 1195 and baptized as Fernando Martins de Bulhões. Raised in a wealthy family, he chose a different path than the one his family had envisioned for him: a life dedicated to God.
At age 15, he joined the Augustinian Order, where he spent years in study and prayer. But his life took a dramatic turn when he encountered the Franciscans—and heard about their first martyrs who had died spreading the Gospel. Inspired by their radical witness, he left everything behind to follow a life of poverty and preaching, taking the name Anthony in honor of St. Anthony of the Desert.
A Brilliant Preacher and Miracle Worker
Anthony dreamed of becoming a missionary and spreading the faith in Africa, but after falling seriously ill, he returned to Italy. There, something incredible happened.
At a gathering of Dominicans and Franciscans, Anthony was unexpectedly asked to preach. The room was stunned. His words were filled with wisdom, passion, and deep knowledge of Scripture. Even St. Francis of Assisi took notice, appointing him as one of the top theologians in the Franciscan Order.
From then on, Anthony became a powerful preacher, traveling across Italy and France, calling people to repentance and renewal in Christ. His sermons were so compelling that entire towns would gather to hear him. He also had a deep love for the poor and worked tirelessly to serve those in need.
Oh, and the miracles? There were a lot of them.
- He was known for bilocation (being in two places at once).
- He once preached to a group of fish when people refused to listen—and the fish gathered to hear him!
- A man who doubted the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist was convinced after his mule knelt before the Blessed Sacrament.
Why Is He the Patron Saint of Lost Things?
So, how did St. Anthony become the go-to saint for lost items?
One story says that a young novice stole a book of Anthony’s sermons—a valuable handwritten manuscript. Anthony prayed for its return, and the thief not only brought the book back but also returned to the faith.
Since then, countless people have asked for his help in finding lost things—and have amazing stories to prove that it works!
If you ever need his intercession, try this simple prayer:
“St. Anthony, St. Anthony, please come around—something is lost and must be found!”
His Legacy Today
St. Anthony died on June 13, 1231, at just 35 years old. Less than a year later, he was canonized as a saint—one of the fastest canonizations in history! Today, his tomb in Padua, Italy is a major pilgrimage site, drawing millions of visitors.
He is known as:
- The Hammer of Heretics – for his powerful defense of the faith
- The Ark of the Testament – for his deep knowledge of Scripture
- The Wonder-Worker – because of the many miracles associated with him
But more than anything, he is a saint who points us to Jesus. His love for Christ, his humility, and his desire to bring others to God continue to inspire people around the world.
St. Anthony of Padua is more than just the saint of lost things—he’s a powerful intercessor, a brilliant preacher, and a model of deep trust in God. Whether you need help finding something, growing in faith, or serving the poor, he’s a great saint to turn to.
Additional Resources
Try out this novena to St. Anthony:
Read more about the saints on our blog:
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