Hl. Antonius von Padua

Saint Anthony of Padua, or of Lisbon as he is also called in reference to his birthplace (born around 1195, died on June 13, 1231), is one of the most popular saints in the Catholic Church, venerated worldwide. He came from a Portuguese noble family and initially joined the Order of Augustinian Canons in Lisbon. Inspired by the missionary spirit of the first Franciscan martyrs, he later requested to leave in order to become a Franciscan. At the Franciscan General Chapter in 1221, he also met Saint Francis. Anthony was appointed as the provincial of the order and as the first professor of theology for the Franciscans. He tirelessly traveled as a preacher of penance until he withdrew from his offices in 1230, exhausted from his numerous duties and travels. He died on June 13, 1231, in Padua. Anthony is still venerated today and invoked to help find lost items, by singles seeking a partner, and by the poor to whom he offered bread.