St. Anthony of Padua is venerated all over the world as the Patron Saint for lost articles, and is credited with many miracles. He is one of the most revered saints within the Catholic Church. There are awesome facts about one of the most popular saints in the Catholic Church. BETTY AMUKPO puts forward these facts as some children recount the lifetime of St. Anthony. Excerpts:
‘He is also known as “The Hammer of Heretic”’
St. Anthony of Padua was a Portuguese Catholic priest. He was a popular Franciscan preacher and teacher. He was born on August 15, 1195 at Lisbon, Portugal, and died on June 13, 1231 at Padua, Italy at the age 36 years. He is known as the Patron Saint for finding or recovery of lost or stolen items. He is typically portrayed holding the infant Jesus – or a lily – or a book – or all three in his arms. St. Anthony’s life is a life meant to be lived by every Christian. His life bespeaks courage to face the difficulties of life; tendency to love and forgive, and also dependence on God. He is also known as “The Hammer of Heretic” His famous quote was “Action speaks louder than words. Let your words teach and action speak.” He is one of the famous disciples of St. Francis of Assisi. His real name is “Fernando Martins de Bulhões.” He changed his name to Anthony in honour of St. Anthony the Great, to whom the Franciscan hermitage where he was living was dedicated, “Padua”.

• Chibuike Anyasor
‘He is renowned for so many miracles’
St. Anthony of Padua was born in 1195, Lisbon, Portugal and died on June 13, 1231, at the age of 36, on his way to Padua, Italy. He was canonised as a saint in 1232, less than a year after his death and was declared a Doctor of the Church in 1946 by Pope Pius XII. He is renowned for so many miracles among which was when he defeated heretics in a challenge, where their mule knelt before Jesus Christ in the Eucharist (Mark 6:17-18) He is invoked for the return of lost items and his feast day is on June 13th. Anthooo… Padua!

• Agbo Josephine
‘His tongue is still fresh till date’
St. Anthony of Padua was born in 1195 in Lisbon, Portugal, to a wealthy family. He joined the Augustinian canons in 1210 and became a priest. He Joined the Franciscan order in 1220, and preached in Italy and France, known for his eloquence and simplicity. He was renowned for so many miracles, and he is especially invoked and venerated all over the world as the patron saint for the recovery of lost items, and was once seen carrying the baby Jesus in his arms. He died on June 13, 1231, at the age of 36, in Arcella, Verona, Italy, and canonised by Pope Gregory IX on May 30, 1232. His tongue is still fresh till date as if he is still alive, because he was always praising God with it (Psalm 51:15). His feast day is June 13. Viva Anthony!

• Chiamaka Idoko
‘He is the Patron Saint of lost things, amputees, needy and pregnant women’
St. Anthony of Padua was born into a wealthy family in Lisbon, Portugal and was raised in the Church. He joined the Augustinian Canons in 1220 and His intention was to become a priest. He is one of the most famous disciples of St. Francis of Assisi. He was a famous preacher and worker of miracles in his own day and throughout the eighth century. He is the Patron Saint of lost things, amputees, needy and pregnant women. One of his miracles was, he made a dead man speak and helped a drowning child. On his way to Morocco, he became seriously ill and he died at the age of 36years.

• Umennadi Francis
‘He was a Franciscan friar, Doctor of the Church and patron of the poor’
Saint Anthony was born 1195 in Lisbon Portugal, he died June 13 1231 at Arcella. He was a Franciscan friar, doctor of the Church and patron of the poor. Padua and Portugal claim him as their patron saint, and is invoked for the return of lost property. He was born into a wealthy family and was raised in the Church. On one of his missions, he became ill and was forced to return home. Because of his continuing poor health, he was not allowed to pursue his missionary work among the Saracens. Instead, he taught theology at Bologna, Italy and at Montpelier, Toulouse. He won great admiration as a preacher and was noted for a simple, yet, profound teachings of the Catholic faith. He died en route to Padua Italy, where he is buried.

• Stephen Victory
‘St. Anthony was a gifted theologian and scholar’
St. Anthony of Padua was a Franciscan friar who lived in the 12th and 13th centuries. He was known for his preaching and miracles, especially his ability to find lost things. St. Anthony was also a gifted theologian and scholar, earning the title, “Doctor of the Church.” He was devoted to Christ, having studied the Bible extensively. His life was marked with humility and service to others, reflecting the teachings of Jesus Christ. While there are no specific Bible references to St. Anthony, his life and teachings were inspired by the message of the Gospel and the teachings of Jesus.

• Arnold Akalezi
‘His expertise of the scripture earned him the title, “Hammer of the Heretics”’
St. Anthony of Padua (1195- 1231) was a Portuguese Catholic priest and friar of the Franciscan Order. Born Fernando Martins de Bulhões, he was raised in a wealthy family but renounced his wealth to join the Augustinians and later the Franciscans. He became known for his powerful preaching, and his expertise in scripture earned him the title, “Hammer of the Heretics.” In his teachings, St. Anthony often referenced the scripture, such as Matthew 5:14-16, “You are the light of the world… let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” He emphasised the importance of living a simple, humble life, and using one’s gifts to serve others. St. Anthony’s life was marked by his devotion to the poor, the sick, and the marginalised. He preached throughout Italy and was known for his miracles and ability to communicate with animals. He died at the age of 36, and was canonised a saint less than a year later. St. Anthony is often invoked as the patron saint of lost items, and his feast day is celebrated on June 13.

• Blossom Akalezi
‘He was the second quickest canonised saint in history’
St. Anthony of Padua was born in Portugal more than 800 years ago. He was most commonly known to Catholics as the ‘Finder of lost things.’ He was the second quickest canonised saint in history and also one of the most influential saints in the Church, recognised across the world for his miracles and preaching. Known as one of the Doctors of the Church or Saints who made particular, important contributions to Church teaching. He was influential that after his death, behind his tomb, many leave behind prayers and other personal items on the wall.

• Eyinade Gideon