Saint Anthony
Saint Anthony of Padua, Doctor of the Church and patron of the poor used to say: "If you preach Jesus, He softens hard hearts; if you invoke him, you sweeten bitter temptations; if you think of him, he enlightens your heart; if he you read, it quenches your mind. "
Below, we present ten curious facts about one of the most beloved and popular saints among Catholics whose feast is celebrated on June 13.
1. His real name
He was born in 1195 in Lisbon, Portugal. His name was Fernando de Bulloes and Taveira de Azevedo. At 25 he adopted the name of Antonio when he became a Franciscan.
2. He was Augustinian before being a Franciscan
At age 15 he entered the Regular Canons of San Agustín. Ten years later he joined the Franciscan Friars Minor.
3. He could be a martyr
He decided to enter the Friars Minor to preach to the Saracens and was willing to die for the love of Christ. He went to Morocco, but a severe illness forced him to return.
4. He was a great preacher
He had a clear and strong voice, imposing spirit, prodigious memory and deep knowledge, the spirit of prophecy and an extraordinary gift of miracles.
5. He is represented with a Baby Jesus in his arms
He witnessed an appearance of the Infant Jesus whom he held in his arms. For this reason, in the images of the saint he is represented next to the Child.
6. His most famous miracle
In the city of Padua (Italy), a young man named Leonardo kicked his own mother in a fit of anger. Repentant, he confessed his fault to San Antonio who said: "The foot of the one who kicks his own mother deserves to be cut."
Leonardo ran home and cut his foot. Aware of this, San Antonio took the amputated member of the young man and miraculously gathered him to the body.
7. He is known as the most miraculous saint
His reputation for acting prodigious acts has never diminished and even today he is recognized as the greatest caster of all time.
8. He is known as "the Holy One of the whole world"
Leo XII called him "the Holy One of the whole world" because his image and devotion can be found everywhere. He is patron of the poor, travelers, masons, bakers and papermakers.
9. Come to him to ask for a good husband or wife
For this reason some people get to put their head image, however, that is a superstition and a non-Christian practice.
10. His canonization was the fastest in history
Pope Gregory IX canonized him less than a year after his death at Pentecost on May 30, 1232.
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