He was born Fernando Martins into a wealthy family in Lisbon, Portugal.
By the age of 15, he was sent to the Abbey of Santa Cruz in Coimbra when he learnt theology and latin.
Following his ordination to priesthood, he was responsible of Abbey's hospitality. He eventually received permission to leave Abbey and join new Franciscan order and changed his name to Anthony.
He then traveled to Morocco to spread God's truth but became an extremely sick and was returned to Portugal to recover. However the return voyage was blown-off course and they arrived in Sicily, from which they traveled to Tuscany. As he recovered, he spent his time praying and studying.
Sometimes later, Dominican friars came to visit the Franciscans and there was confusion over who would present the homily. It was then the head of the Franciscan hermitage asked Anthony to speak on whatever the Holy Spirit told him to speak of.
Though he tried to object, he delivered a moving homily that impressed both groups. Soon the news reached Francis of Asisi.
He had a book of psalms that contained notes and comments to help when teaching students and in a time when a printing press was not yet invented, he greatly valued it.
When a novice decided to leave, he stole his valuable book. When he discovered it was missing, he prayed it would be found our returned to him. The thief did return the book and in an extra step returned to the Order as well.
He performed best in the role of preacher.
Once, he attempted to preach the true Gospel to heretics who would not listen to him, he went out and preached his message to the fish. When critics saw the fish begin to gather, they realized they should also listen to what Anthony had to say.
He was only 36 years old when he died. Upon exhumation some 336 years after his death, his body was found to be corrupted yet his tongue was totally incorrupt, so perfect were the teachings that had been formed upon it.
He's the patron saint of lost articles.
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