Today is the Feast of St Anthony of Padua, of whom I was named after. His life is fascinating. He joined the Augustinians as a teenager. As he grew in his Faith, he wanted to be a martyr in Morocco like the Franciscans he heard about. 

On this journey, he got sick, reboarded the boat to go back home, but there was a terrible storm and ended up in Sicily until he recovered. When he recovered he because a Franciscan and went to Padua. 

One day, in 1222, in the town of Forli, on the occasion of an ordination, a number of visiting Dominican friars were present, and there was some misunderstanding over who should preach. The Franciscans naturally expected that one of the Dominicans would occupy the pulpit, for they were renowned for their preaching; the Dominicans, on the other hand, had come unprepared, thinking that a Franciscan would be the homilist.

In this quandary, the head of the hermitage, who had no one among his own humble friars suitable for the occasion, called upon Anthony, whom he suspected was most qualified and entreated him to speak whatever the Holy Spirit should put upon his heart and into his mouth. 

Anthony objected but was overruled, and his sermon created a deep impression. Not only his rich voice and arresting manner but the entire theme and substance of his discourse and his moving eloquence held the attention of his hearers. Everyone was impressed with his knowledge of scripture, acquired during his young years as an Augustinian friar.

He has come to be known to help many find and have faith, deepen their faith, deeper conversions, and peace between the states of Italy and their government. He also preached intensely on the Eucharist, The Immaculate Conception, The Assumption, and the infallibility of the Faith.

His preaching convinced many, inspired many, and brought many to belief or deeper conversions.

One time when a novice took a missal, many people looked for it and asked Anthony to look. The novice saw Anthony appear to him and then he returned the book. 

He is well known for the Eucharistic Miracle to prove to non-believers that the Eucharist is Jesus. He challenged a non-believing donkey owner to a contest. The donkey was to be without food for several days, then come into the town square where there would be hay and Anthony with the Eucharist. 

The owner suspected the donkey would go to eat the hay. Instead, it went to Anthony, knelt on its front legs in front of the Eucharist then went to eat the hay. Many believed that day! 

Another time he double-booked himself and was seen singing at a Holy Thursday Mass while he was serving at another Mass at another church.

Then the image we usually see of him holding the child Jesus. One of the friars saw an incredible light from his room, and looked through the keyhole, and saw Anthony with the Bible and holding the Child Jesus.

Anthony had prayed saying he wished he could have lived at the time of Jesus in order to hold him as a child. 

As we celebrate this feast day of one of the most known saints, we should ask ourself: 

What have I done / what do I do to convince people of the truths of our faith if they are questioning, or to show and convince the truth of the faith to those who do not know the faith?
 

St. Anthony pray for us!