(1195-1231) — The “Hammer of Heretics” was born to an army officer in Lisbon, Portugal and named Ferdinand. First an Augustinian monk, Saint Anthony was later inspired by Franciscan martyrs and the example of Saint Francis, who was still living. Ferdinand became a Franciscan, took the name Anthony, after Saint Anthony of Egypt, and tried to head to Spain to convert the Muslims, but ended up in Italy. He worked as a kitchen assistant near Assisi and hid his prior learning, but once Francis heard him preach, he appointed Anthony to teach theology to the Franciscans. He was a very popular, sought-after preacher and a well-known miracle worker. He earned the recognition as a Doctor of the Church, known as the Evangelical Doctor, or Doctor of the Gospel.

Anthony’s preaching of Jesus was so clear that Jesus’ life was made vivid and present. That is why most statues depicting him reveal the Christ child made present within the book Anthony is holding. How do our words and actions reflect Christ to others? How do they demonstrate our recovery?

“Actions speak louder than words; let your words teach and your actions speak” (Saint Anthony of Padua).

Reflection by Brad Farmer