St. Anthony at San Fernando Mission |
Even my godson Tony is so named, because of the aid he supplied my brother during his honeymoon when his wallet was misplaced. Coupled with the saints statues in every California mission, and presto - the decision to name their first born was made decisively.... even if at this point they had no children!
Anthony was born Ferdinant, in Lisbon, Portugal. (That's right, the hero of the Italians is Portughese.) He entered the Augustinian Order, but after seeing the first Franciscan Martyrs carried back from Africa (trying to convert Muslims) he was filled with fervor for the missionary life. He left the relatively noble Augustinians, and joined the Franciscans.
He set out for Morocco, in hopes (like St. Francis) of becoming a martyr for the faith. (I still haven't found a saint that CHASED martyrdom and became one. Even St. Max tried to avoid the Nazis and Sir Thomas Moor the Ax.) Anyway, that didn't work out and long story short he ended up ship wrecked in Sicily. He made his way north to join the General Chapter of the Franciscans, and remained entirely unnoticed.
St. Anthony at Carmel Mission |
Thus began his amazing career of travels around Italy, educating the friars, preaching against heretics of the day, performing miracles - especially of the heart, and remaining faithful to the Order even during the tumultuous times after the death of St. Francis.
His tongue is incorruptible. I might impiously add that it resembles a piece of charcoal, which isn't impious at all - it is the truth. But why? Because this saint was known for preaching, speaking, loving, defending, and spreading Truth! His tongue was only an instrument of God.
Therefore, today St. Anthony asks US to look around. See the splendor and the truth around us.
St. Anthony, patron of the lost, missionary, theologian, priest. Pray for Us!
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Thanks for your post and for following KolbeMission! Unfortunately, I personally cannot read your blog - however, I know a few people who can and will ask them to check it out! United in prayer and mission,
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