A Catholic Life: St. Anthony of Lisbon

While he is almost universally invoked under the name of St. Anthony of Padua, St. Anthony is to the people of Lisbon still one of their own. St. Anthony (1195 - 1231) was born on August 15, 1195, at Lisbon, Portugal to Martin and Mary Bulhom. He was given the name of Fernando. In fact, he lived in Lisbon most of his life. While his family wanted him to become a great noblemen, he followed the call of Christ and became a poor Franciscan priest taking the name of Anthony. He lived his life in holiness curing many. After his death, he was canonized 352 days after his death, the second fastest canonization in history, with over 50 documented miracles. His feastday is June 13th.

A few weeks ago I visited Lisbon and saw first hand the devotion of the people to St. Anthony. While Catholicism is fading in the face of secularism throughout Europe, the people of Lisbon still retain a strong attachment to the wonder-worker St. Anthony.

Even though the official patron saint of Lisbon is St. Vincent the Deacon, you will more often see images of St. Anthony around the city, especially in the Alfama historical district in town. In fact, in that district you may visit the Church of St. Anthony which was built over the very spot of St. Anthony's birth.

Here are some images from my visit to the birth of this truly incredible saint. May he intercede for us now and always! St. Anthony of Lisbon, pray for us!