Saint Anthony (San Antonio)

Born in Lisbon, Portugal in 1195, Saint Anthony took up a religious life at an early age.  He is famous for his preaching by which he reformed the city of Padua and earned the nickname “Wonder Worker” for the many miracles her performed.  He died in 1231 and was canonized a year later.  He is usually depicted wearing a Franciscan habit and cradling the Christ Child, who is said to have appeared to him. Saint Anthony is the patron for the poor and oppressed and is invoked when an item is lost.  He is also invoked by spinsters seeking husbands and by childless women wishing to become pregnant.   Saint Anthony’s feast day is June 13th.