Dates

• Existence: 1195 August 15 - 1231 June 13

Biographical note

Born in Lisbon, Anthony joined the Canons Regular at an early age, but a few years later (1212) passed over to the recently founded Friars Minor at Coimbra. Bent on martyrdom, he sailed for Africa, but illness and storm brought him to Italy, where under the guidance of Saint Francis of Assisi, he began his career as a preacher. He died at Padua in 1231 and was canonized by Pope Gregory IX in the following year. In art he is usually represented bearing the Child Jesus in his arms and holding a lily.

(paraphrased from The Book of Saints : A Dictionary of Persons Canonized or Beatified by the Catholic Church. 5th edition. New York: Crowell, 1966.)

Alternate names

Antony, Antonius Patavinus, Anthony of Lisbon, Antonio da Padova, Fernando