<p>Although Anthony came from Portugal, the city of Padua in Italy claims him as its own. Born in 1195 of the nobility, he was baptized Ferdinand and at 15 joined the Canons Regular of Saint Augustine. For eight years he applied himself to intense study and became an accomplished biblical scholar. His contact with some Franciscans who were later martyred inspired him to move to the Franciscans. Illness prevented mission work and he was sent to Italy where, having led a hidden life, he was ordered to fill in for an absent preacher. The immediate result was the discovery of his great oratorical gifts and he was sent by Francis to preach and to teach his fellow friars throughout northern Italy. He taught first in Bologna, and then in Padua. His reputation drew enormous crowds and the power of his words converted them. Exhausted and ill, he died at the of age 36, so beloved and revered that he was canonized within the year. He is best known for his help in finding lost objects.©2011 <em>Living with Christ, </em>Novalis - Bayard Press Canada Inc., <strong>http://www.livingwithchrist.ca/</strong>. Reprinted with permission.</p>
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