#memory
St. Anthony of Padua.
13 June is the death anniversary of St Anthony of Padua (1195 – 1231).
St Antony is among the most venerated saints of the Catholic, Coptic, Eastern and Oriental Christian Churches.
Born in a noble and wealthy family of Lisbon, Portugal, Fernando Martins de Bulhoes initially had opted to be an Augustinian monk.
But soon, attracted by the frugal and pious lifestyle of St Fransis Assisi, he decided to be a Fransiscan Friar.
St Anthony became famous at a young age, for his powerful speeches and deep knowledge of the scriptures. People used to flock the churches even at night, to listen to him. His undying devotion to the poor and the sick, made people love and respect him as a living saint.
St Anthony died in Padua, Italy, at the young age of 35. His known piety led the Catholic Church to declare him a Saint, within an year.
St Anthony is revered the world over as the Patron Saint of Lost Causes.
– Joy Kallivayalil.
p.s:
One of the cherished dreams of life was realised when I, along with my wife Sasikala Joseph, was able to make a pilgrimage to Padua in April, 2023.
