Saint Anthony of Padua, the Wonder Worker

Patron: Barren Women, Lost Articles,
the Poor and Oppressed; Travelers

 Feast Day: June 13
 

Welcome to St. Anthony of Padua's directory. Our Saint is considered by many to be the most beloved Saint of the Church, after Our Lady and St. Joseph. He certainly is a favorite of Catholic Tradition and his directory is one of the the largest we have! A Portuguese of French descent who put Padua, Italy on the map, so to speak, he was born on Our Lady's Feast, the Assumption, and was deeply devoted to her and her images which he cherished. He lived but 36 years and worked wonders throughout his religious life and ever after and still today.

The image we chose for our banner headliner is from a traditional poster that captures the sweetness and charm of his extraordinary good looks, one of his many renowned attributes. Because of all the fasting and hard work he underwent in his short lifetime, when he died at only 36 he was shrunken and old in appearance. But when his body was viewed for burial, five days later, his youthful vibrant features were once again evident. Although he came from nobility, was blessed with high intelligence, position, and handsome features he was humble almost beyond belief in today's world, and very wise and prescient, captivating even his enemies and the foes of Holy Mother Church. We encourage you to purchase the Tan book from which his biography is taken [noted on those pages]; no Catholic home should be without this ready reference.

Please browse through the java menu below [CLICK HERE] to learn why he is called the Wonder-Worker, the Hammer of Heretics, why he is pictured so often holding the Christ Child, and so much more. To read a few of his many maxims, [CLICK HERE]. At the bottom of the page is the link for GALLERIES. There is a permanent gallery of St. Anthony there, which is not a formal part of this directory. You may enter that gallery from HERE, if you prefer.

 
MAXIMS

It is necessary to accompany one's good works with heartfelt compassion, for he who gives with his heart, gives something of himself.

In order that charity toward God be perfect, it is necessary that it be extended to one's neighbor by assisting him in his needs and forgiving him his faults. Do this and you will live.

Have great trust and confidence in your prayers. Do not become disturbed, if the Lord does not answer your pleas immediately. He delays because He wishes to increase your merits.

Hope, if it is not to degenerate into presumption, must be based on the merits and promises of Christ and must be accompanied by a holy fear of the Lord, the beginning of wisdom.

Charity or the love of God is the goal of every virtue. Without charity, no prayer is  acceptable to the Lord, and our good works are useless in relation to eternal life.

Purity of heart is the altar on which burns the incense of devotion and on which God casts His loving and merciful glances.

To believe without bothering to perform good works amounts to laughing in the face of God.

GALLERIES-----------SAINTS