In Francis and His Brothers: A Popular History of the Franciscan Friars, Franciscan scholar and historic Dominic V. Monti, O.F.M., tells the inspirational story of Francis of Assisi and his followers, including St. Anthony, the saint called this “Ark of the Covenant” and “Hammer of Heretics.”

While the saint’s dream was to become a missionary to the Muslims in Morocco, a mighty wind swept the ship badly off course and it landed in Sicily, where he was to begin a journey to Assisi and then to the Italian city of Padua.

To the people of Portugal, the saint that most of the world calls Anthony of Padua is better known as Anthony of Lisbon, as that country is the place of his birth in 1195 and where he began his ministry.

A lifelong admirer of St. Anthony believes that the hidden treasure, which this saint sought above all else, is God.

Join us for daily Catholic prayer, tour the National Shrine of St. Anthony and Friary in Cincinnati, find a biography and pictures of St. Anthony of Padua, send a St. Anthony e-card, make a St. Anthony novena, post online prayer requests and donate to help Franciscan ministries.

Do you know why he is potrayed this way?

Listen to the author portray St. Anthony.

Leonard Foley writes of St. Anthony of Padua, patron saint of lost and stolen articles, a Franciscan preacher and teacher.

Learn why St. Anthony is asked to intercede with God for the return of things lost or stolen.

Anthony of Padua often felt a profound longing to step aside from the bustle of his active life and seek the face of God in silent contemplation.