Coming from a wealthy family, at the age of 20, Fernando experienced a profound conversion that led him to abandon his worldly life to join the Franciscan Order. Attracted by its ideal of poverty, simplicity and commitment to helping those most in needfound in this order the way to fulfill his religious vocation.
Gifted with exceptional intelligence and a prodigious memory, Saint Anthony quickly excelled in his theological studies. He became a renowned professor at the University of PaduaItaly, where his erudition and ability to explain the sacred scriptures captivated his students.
However, his true passion was preaching the Gospel. He toured Europe delivering passionate and insightful sermons that moved crowds. His oratory gift, along with his deep faith and love for God, made him one of the most famous preachers of his time.
The end of his life was closer than his age seemed to indicate, and in 1231 an illness seriously afflicted him. At that time he retired to the nearby town of Camposampiero, where he spent the last period of his life lying under a walnut tree, in contact with the most marginalized members of society. It was then that according to tradition a figure of Christ childwhich is why many of his portraits also carry this image.
Shortly after, on June 13, 1231, he asked to be taken to Padua, because he felt that it would not take long for him to die. His judgment was true. He expired that same day, at the gates of the city, after exclaiming: “I see my lord.” A few days later, he was buried in the Church of Saint Mary Mater Domini where he had preached, and in 1281 he was transferred to the Basilica of Padua which bears his name and where his relics are currently kept.
The enormous devotion that his coreligionists showed towards him led to his canonization being almost immediate. He Pope Gregory IX He made him a saint on May 30, 1232, just 11 months after death. The fame of his knowledge spanned the centuries, and in 1946 the Church proclaimed him “Doctor of the Universal Church”, with the title of Doctor Evangelicus.
Miracles and legacy of Saint Anthony of Padua
Numerous miracles are attributed to Saint Anthony of Padua, such as the resurrection of a child, the healing of the sick and the appearance of the Child Jesus in his arms. These prodigies, together with his exemplary life and his tireless evangelizing work, made him a figure revered throughout the world.
One year after his death, which occurred on June 13, 1232, he was canonized by Pope Gregory IX. Since then, he has been known as “the saint of miracles”, “the saint of the whole world” and “Evangelical Doctor”. His holiday is celebrated every year on June 13.
