Saint Anthony of Padua

Name ______Date ______

Directions: Read the biography and answer the questions.

Fernando Martins de Bulhoes was born in Portugal where he went to a Catholic school and studied to become a priest. After his ordination, he encountered a group of travelling friars, whose order had only recently been founded by Saint Francis of Assisi eleven years earlier. Inspired by their simple and evangelical way of life, he decided to join them and took the name Anthony in honor of Saint Anthony of Egypt. From there he set out on a missionary journey to Spain, but he became ill and tried to return home. His ship was set off course and he arrived in Italy instead. There he took up a new ministry and became as well-known preacher and teacher. He earned the attention of Saint Francis, who did not think academic study and teaching held a place in his order. Saint Anthony convinced him otherwise and proved to be a genuine follower of the Franciscan way of life. Saint Francis entrusted all theological formation of friars to him from that point forward. Saint Anthony is best known as the patron saint of lost items. A Franciscan novice once stole his personal copy of the Book of Psalms. Saint Anthony prayed that it would be found. The novice then returned the book and returned to become a full Franciscan friar.

1. Why did Saint Francis distrust Saint Anthony before he met him in person? ______

2. Saint Anthony was a gifted preacher and teacher. Who have been the most influential teachers in your life and what did they do to make such an impact on you? ______

3. What are some of the things you often lose and could ask Saint Anthony to pray to God to help find for you? ______