Feast of St. Anthony
Saturday, June 13, 2026
The Feast of St. Anthony of Padua, celebrated on June 13, honors one of the most beloved saints in the Catholic Church, known as the 'Evangelical Doctor' and the patron saint of lost items. Born Fernando Martins de Bulhoes in Lisbon, Portugal around 1195, he initially joined the Augustinian order before transferring to the newly founded Franciscan order in 1220, adopting the name Anthony in honor of St. Anthony the Great. His extraordinary preaching gifts were discovered by chance at an ordination ceremony in Forli, when he was asked to deliver an impromptu sermon that left his audience spellbound. Francis of Assisi himself appointed Anthony as the first theology teacher of the Franciscan order. Anthony preached across northern Italy and southern France, drawing enormous crowds with his eloquence, scriptural knowledge, and miracle-working reputation. Pope Gregory IX called him the 'Ark of the Testament' for his profound knowledge of scripture.
History
Anthony was born into a wealthy Lisbon family around 1195. He joined the Augustinian Canons at age 15 but was inspired to become a Franciscan missionary after seeing the remains of Franciscan martyrs brought from Morocco. After joining the Franciscans, he initially lived in seclusion but was called to preach at an ordination in Forli in 1222, launching his public ministry. He preached throughout Italy and France, performing numerous reported miracles. Overworked and ill, Anthony died at age 35 on June 13, 1231, near Padua. He was canonized less than a year later by Pope Gregory IX, one of the fastest canonizations in Church history. In 1946, Pope Pius XII declared him a Doctor of the Church.
How It's Celebrated
The Feast of St. Anthony is one of the most popular saints' feast days worldwide. In Padua, the saint's relics are carried in a grand procession through the streets, followed by a solemn Mass in the Basilica of St. Anthony. The day includes the blessing of bread, known as 'St. Anthony's bread,' distributed to the poor in memory of the saint's charity. In Portugal and Brazil, elaborate festivals feature processions, traditional music, and matchmaking events, as St. Anthony is also the patron saint of lovers. Devotees pray for help finding lost items and offer novenas. Many churches hold special services where lilies are blessed and distributed.