St Anthony of Padua: The Patron Saint of Lost Things

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St Anthony of Padua, Church of Sant' Antonio dei Portoghesi

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June 13th is the feast day of St Anthony of Padua (1195-1231). 

​St Anthony was born on August 15th 1195 in the city of Lisbon in Portugal. He died, on June 13th 1231, in the Italian city of Padua, where he is buried. Less than a year later, on May 30th 1232, St Anthony was canonised by Pope Gregory IX (r. 1227-41). 

Most images of St Anthony of Padua depict the saint in his Franciscan habit, holding the Christ-child and a lily (symbol of purity).   

St Anthony of Padua is the patron saint of lost things, lost people and lost souls. He is also the patron saint of Portugal; and the 17th century church of Sant' Antonio dei Portoghesi is the national church of Portugal. 

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