St. Anthony Of Padua Medal and Necklace

Sterling Silver St. Anthony Of Padua Medal and Necklace

14KT Gold Filled St. Anthony Of Padua Medal and Necklace

14KT Gold St Anthony Of Padua Medal

St. Anthony of Padua

Saint Anthony was born in Lisbon, Portugal, in 1195, but received his surname on account of his long residence at Padua. His baptismal name was Ferdinand, which he changed for that of Anthony when he entered the Francis can Order. His parents were noted for their nobility and virtue, and they placed Ferdinand at an early age with the Canons of the Cathedral in Lisbon to be educated.

At fifteen he joined the Canons Regular near the city, but two years later requested to be sent to Coimbra, one hundred miles away He had lived at Coimbra almost eight years when Don Pedro of Portugal brought from Morocco the relics of five Franciscans who had been recently crowned there with martyrdom. Ferdinand was greatly affected at the sight, and formed a desire to lay down his life for Christ. Not long after some Franciscan Friars came to his monastery begging alms for their community. Ferdinand told them of his desire to join their Order, and received their encouragement.

Taking the Name Anthony

When he made known his ambition to his superiors they endeavored to dissuade him, and he suffered much from their ridicule and bitter reproaches. Finally Ferdinand obtained the consent of his Prior, and in 1221 received the Franciscan Habit, taking the name of Anthony. After some time spent in solitude, prayer and penitential austerities, desiring martyrdom he obtained permission to go to Africa to preach the Gospel to the Moors. Soon after his arrival, however, he became very ill and was obliged to return to Spain to regain his health.

At the age of twenty-seven he was performing humble tasks in the little solitary hermitage of Mount Paul near Bologna, carefully concealing his learning and talents. During an assembly of neighboring Dominicans and Franciscans held at Forli, the Dominicans, as visitors, were requested to address the gathering; all excused themselves saying they were not prepared. Anthony’s Guardian then ordered him to speak and to say whatever the Holy Ghost would inspire him to say. St. Anthony begged to be excused, but his Superior insisted that he comply.

St. Anthony spoke with such eloquence, erudition and unction that everyone present was astonished. When St. Francis was informed of the discovery of this hidden treasure, he sent St. Anthony to Vercelli to study theology. Then for some years he taught sacred science with great success at Bologna, Toulouse, Montpellier and Padua. At length he forsook the schools, and for nine years was a missionary preacher in France, Italy and Sicily, turning men’s hearts to God and performing miracles.

The Hammer of Heretics

St. Anthony has been called “the hammer of heretics” and a “wonder-worker”. He is one of the most popular Saints of the Church. While spending a night with a friend in Padua, his host saw brilliant rays streaming under the door of the Saint’s room. Looking through the keyhole he beheld a beautiful Child standing upon a book which lay open upon the table, and clinging with both arms around Anthony’s neck. An ineffable sweetness filled his soul. When the Child vanished St. Anthony opened the door and commanded his friend, for love of Him Whom he had seen, to tell the vision to no man” as long as he was alive.

On June 13, 1231, after spending ten years in the Franciscan Order, St. Anthony died. When his death be ame known the children ran about the streets crying, “The Saint is dead!” Innumerable miracles testified his sanctity. In 1232, in compliance with the Paduans’ request, Pope Gregory IX caused St. Anthony’s name to be added to the calendar of Saints. Thirty-two years later a beautiful church was built for the Franciscans in Padua, and St. Anthony’s remains were translated into it. The flesh was all consumed. but the tongue, which had always praised God, was found incorrupt. In 1946 Pope Pius XII proclaimed St. Anthony a Doctor of the Universal Church.
St. Anthony of Padua Rosary
UPC: 617759876772
Brand: Bliss