

His travel to Morocco and Italy was not a disaster but experiences in real life from which to teach. His study in the monastery was not a waste of time, but a foundation to preach on the Scriptures. Suddenly what looked like failures or misdirections in his life made sense. Francis to preach anywhere and everywhere. Suddenly recognized as a great preacher, Anthony was given the mission by St. However, after his ordination at Forli in 1222, in a sermon on the priesthood, Anthony's gifts were finally discovered. But Francis, close to death, didn't notice Anthony among the three thousand friars who had come to the chapter. Francis would know what Anthony was supposed to do with the rest of his life. He would go to the fourth general chapter meeting of the Franciscans and see St. As Anthony recovered his health in Italy, he conceived a new plan. The ship taking him back to Portugal, however, was sent off course by a storm and forced to land in Sicily. His attempt at missionary work was such a complete failure that the Franciscans ordered him back to Portugal after only four months. He no sooner got out into the desert than he became so ill that he wasn't even able to get out of bed, let alone walk the street preaching. When he landed in Morocco it seemed like everything was finally going as he planned it.īut God had other plans. The Franciscans accepted Anthony into their Order knowing he intended to become a martyr as soon as possible. With permission to leave the monastery, Anthony was intent on going directly to Morocco as a Franciscan and to die for the faith. until five guests showed up at the monastery.īarefoot, clothed only in rags, with bright eyes and burning words, were these men holy or heretics? What was this new Order called the Franciscans to which they belonged? Anthony listened to their story of fellow Franciscans being martyred in Morocco, and he began to believe that he was wasting his life on books. His phenomenal memory and facility for knowledge made it obvious to everyone that this was the life he was meant to lead. Anthony moved to the Abbey of Santa Cruz, noted for learning and study, and devoted the next eight years to studying theology and Scripture. But he started his restless quest for God's call early, giving up his inheritance to enter a monastery at age 15, seeking a life of solitude and devotion. Anthony of Paduaīorn in 1195 in Portugal as heir to a noble title and lands, Anthony's future seemed to be secure and well planned. Anthony of Padua.Ī Brief Biography of St. Additional details about the Shrine are located after the brief biography of St. It is a wonderful pilgrimage destination and one of my favorite places to rest and reflect. This peaceful, holy ground is welcoming to all. Anthony is a ministry of the Conventual Franciscan Friars. Anthony sign to the right of the entrance to the Shrine courtyard. Anthony of Padua is located at the Shrine of St.
