St. Anthony of Padua
Feast day: June 13
Born in Lisbon, Portugal, Anthony joined the Augustinians at age 15 and was educated at Coimbra. The arrival of relics of five Franciscan martyrs of Morocco to Portugal for veneration led Anthony to join the Franciscans. He went on a mission to Morocco but returned to Europe because of ill health. He became well known for his zeal and eloquence in his preaching, and he traveled throughout Italy for his order. Anthony settled in Padua, reformed the city, abolished the debtors’ prison and aided the poor. He died in 1231 and was canonized the following year. Anthony was declared a Doctor of the Church in 1946. He is patron of lost items.
Collect
Almighty ever-living God,
who gave Saint Anthony of Padua to your people
as an outstanding preacher
and an intercessor in their need,
grant that, with his assistance,
as we follow the teachings of the Christian life,
we may know your help in every trial.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
