An educated nobleman who became an Augustinian monk, he later decided to join the Franciscans after a group of friars were martyred in Morocco. He took the religious name "Anthony."
Poor health prevented Anthony from becoming a missionary. Instead, he became known throughout Italy for his preaching and teaching. He was dubbed the "Hammer of the Heretics" for his strong defense of the Catholic Church and its teachings.
Ten years after joining the Franciscans, Anthony died in Padua, Italy, on July 13, 1231. He was 36 years old, and was canonized the following May 30, less than a year later.
St. Anthony was buried on a Tuesday. Because many miracles occurred on the day of his funeral, Tuesday became a special day for honoring this saint.
St. Anthony is the patron saint of American Indians, harvesters and fishermen. He is also the saint people turn to when they wish to find a lost object. Legend says that when a young friar stole one of Anthony's manuscripts, Anthony prayed that it be returned. The young friar had a vision that persuaded him to give the manuscript back to Anthony.
- Little White Book, Diocese of Saginaw