Did You Know St Anthony of Padua Isn’t From Padua and Isn’t Originally Named Anthony?
St. Anthony of Padua is widely regarded as one of the most beloved and venerated saints of the Catholic Church. He was born in Lisbon, Portugal in 1195 and was originally named Fernando de Bulhões e Taveira de Azevedo. It was only when he became a Franciscan friar at the age of 25 that he changed his name to Anthony (Antonio). Despite being known as St. Anthony of Padua, he is also venerated as St. Anthony of Lisbon in Portugal.
St. Anthony lived most of his life in Padua, Italy, where he carried out much of his mission. He became immensely loved and famous in the region, performing many miracles that left the people in awe of his faith. One of his most famous miracles was reconnecting the severed foot of a repentant young man named Leonardo. St. Anthony also obtained miracles through his intercession even after his death.
St. Anthony was canonized less than a year after his death by Pope Gregory IX on Pentecost, 1232. His feast day is celebrated on June 13, and he continues to be revered by millions of people around the world. His legacy lives on through the many institutions, churches, and communities that bear his name, and his teachings continue to inspire countless believers to this day.
