Jun 12 - “St. Anthony of Padua” © artwork by Brenda Nippert.
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Anthony was born in Lisbon and was educated and ordained as an Augustinian. Inspired by the first Franciscan martyrs, Anthony wanted to give his life, and became a Franciscan. He arrived in Italy, and as the new guy, was asked to give a sermon on the spot. His intelligence, eloquence, and most of all, his holiness blew them away. Hearing of this, Francis put Anthony in charge of teaching the friars. When Anthony spoke, it wasn't only what he knew that grabbed his audience, but who he was. His very essence was infused with faith and love which overflowed.
He preferred to show the beauty of the light rather than prove the dark wrong. Once when a man disputed the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, Anthony bet him that even a dumb mule would recognize God in the consecrated host. The man starved a mule for three days, and then placed a pile of oats beside Anthony holding up the Eucharist. The hungry mule passed up the oats and knelt down before the Blessed Sacrament in adoration. The man was instantly converted. Anthony's preaching became so famous, the crowds sometimes reached thirty thousand. There were no microphones then, but Anthony's voice rang out to Heaven. His extensive travels, constant fasting, and life of poverty affected his poor health, but he found comfort in his deep interior prayer life.
After spending every ounce of his life's energy, out of love for Christ and His people, Anthony died in peace at only thirty-six. He wasn't a martyr, though he did give his life. Because of an old story, Anthony is commonly invoked to find things that are lost, but more important than your keys or the TV remote, Anthony helps people find God in the midst of the world.
His feast day is June 13.
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