St. Anthony of Padua
The Patron Saint of Our School
St. Anthony, though a native of Lisbon Portugal, received his surname from his long residence at Padua. He was born in 1195 and was christened Ferdinand, which he changed to Anthony when he entered the order of St. Francis, out of devotion to the great patriarch of Monks.
He received the new habit in 1221, in the little Franciscan Convent near Coimbra. After spending sometime in solitude, prayer and penitential austerities, he obtained permission to go to Africa to preach the Gospel to the moors...
Born
1195, Lisbon, Portugal
Canonized
May 30, 1232 by Pope Gregory IX
Passed Away
June 13, 1231, aged 36
He dedicated himself wholly to the functions of a missionary preacher. This was his greatest success — he built a glorious career with a polite address, a pleasing countenance, a strong and clear voice, a happy memory, and complete mastery of the arts of persuasion.
"Even today, God works countless miracles through this humble saint of Padua."