St. Anthony of Padua: The Wonder-Worker Still Guiding the Lost Today

June 12, 2025: Celebrated on June 13, the Feast of St. Anthony of Padua honours one of the Church's most beloved saints and powerful intercessors. Born Fernando Martins de Bulhões in Lisbon around 1195, this Franciscan friar became renowned as the “Wonder-Worker” and “Hammer of Heretics” for his powerful preaching and miracles. His devotion to the Eucharist, the poor, and God’s Word continues to inspire the faithful worldwide.

1. A Scriptural Missionary: Lighting the Darkness

St. Anthony lived the call of Matthew 5:14: “You are the light of the world.” His sermons, grounded in Scripture, dispelled heresy and brought clarity to complex theological truths. Inspired by Franciscan martyrs in Morocco, he embodied the Great Commission (Mt 28:19–20), preaching across Europe. Like Christ in John 13:14–15, Anthony served the poor, showing that true authority lies in humility.

2. Saint and Doctor: The Church's Endorsement

Canonized in 1232, less than a year after his death, Anthony’s holiness and miraculous intercession were quickly recognized by Pope Gregory IX. In 1946, Pope Pius XII declared him a Doctor of the Church, calling him “Doctor Evangelicus” for his evangelical preaching. “St. Anthony was truly a man of God, whose heart was on fire with love for Christ,” said Pius XII. Pope Francis has also praised his care for the poor and his ability to make the Gospel accessible.

3. Patron of the Lost: Finding More Than Things

Anthony’s reputation for helping find lost objects is deeply theological, reflecting God’s intimate care for our lives (Mt 10:29–31). His intercession also guides us back to what is spiritually lost—faith, purpose, or peace—aligning with CCC 956, which teaches that saints assist us from heaven through prayer.

4. Eucharistic Faith: The Miracle of Rimini

Anthony’s deep Eucharistic belief was confirmed through the Miracle of Rimini, where a mule knelt before the Blessed Sacrament. This powerful witness against heresy affirmed the Real Presence. His reverence echoes the teachings of Pope Benedict XVI’s Sacramentum Caritatis, reminding us that the Eucharist unites heaven and earth.

“O noble banquet! O sublime refreshment! O food that surpasses every sweetness!” – St. Anthony

5. Preaching with Power and Mercy

Anthony combined theological clarity with pastoral compassion. Trained in Scripture, he countered heresies effectively, aligning with Vatican II’s Dei Verbum on the importance of sound doctrine. Yet, he preached with gentleness, fulfilling Ephesians 4:15: “Speak the truth in love.” His miracles confirmed his message, just as Christ’s did.

“Actions speak louder than words; let your words teach and your actions speak.” – St. Anthony

6. Champion of the Poor

Anthony’s embrace of poverty and care for the marginalized reflect the Gospel’s preferential option for the poor (Mt 5:3). He addressed economic injustices like usury and exploitation, anticipating later Catholic social teaching. Inspired by St. Francis, his life continues to inspire institutions of charity worldwide.

“Alms given to the poor will never make you poor, but will enrich you both in this world and the next.” – St. Anthony

7. Hope in the Impossible

Anthony is revered as the saint of impossible causes, rooted in his deep trust in God’s mercy and power. Echoing Luke 1:37, “Nothing will be impossible with God,” his intercession has brought hope and healing to countless souls in desperate need.

“If you seek miracles, consider death vanquished, error in flight, the sick healed.” – Antiphon of St. Anthony

Final Reflection: Saint for All Seasons

St. Anthony’s life challenges us to unite intellectual depth with compassionate service. His witness calls us to pursue evangelical zeal, Eucharistic love, and justice for the poor. His enduring intercession continues to draw countless hearts closer to Christ.

Questions for Reflection

How can St. Anthony’s example of combining faith study and service inspire us in daily life?

How might our devotion to him for “lost things” reflect our own need to return to God?

How does his care for the poor challenge us to act for justice in our communities?

By Fr. Valerian Lobo