St Anthony Padua

Born Fernando Martins de Bulhoes in Lisbon, St Anthony of Padua gave up wealth to become a poor Franciscan priest. He was on fire for the gospel. He was known to have a compassionate and merciful heart. His talent as a speaker and preacher became evident when he had to deliver an impromptu homily when the guest speaker did not show up.

On June 13, 2018 , we commemorated his feast day. He is known as the patron saint of lost things or people. During his lifetime many miracles were attributed to him. Many miracles are still attributed to him. He was canonized less than one year from his death.

St Anthony Padua had the gift of tongue --he would deliver the sermon in Latin or Portuguese and the audience would hear it in their own language. He had the apostolic gift of Tongues as related in the scriptures, whereby a person speaks in their own native language, but is heard and understood by those of various languages. He even had the fish "bowing their heads" in reverence to God, as folklore would have it.

On his feast day, I read his acclaimed "Actions Speak Louder than Words" homily https://catholicexchange.com/actions-speak-louder-words. …"The man who is filled with the Holy Spirit speaks in different languages. These different languages are different ways of witnessing to Christ, such as humility, patience, and obedience; we speak in those languages when we reveal in ourselves these virtues to others. Actions speak louder than words; let your words teach and your actions speak. …"

We might not have the gift of tongues, nor the gift of eloquent speech nor the gift of evangelizing to the whole world, but we can ask for the gifts of humility, patience and obedience. With these virtues we can show God's love to all . May the work of this one priest, St Anthony Padua, who touched and converted so many people, be seen in all priests . May we, in witnessing to Christ, show all whom we meet , what beautiful people we can be.

God Bless