The Beloved St. Anthony

Certainly one of the most popular saints, up there with St. Francis, called upon by all, not just Catholics, to find those missing keys, glasses, and even money, St. Anthony of Padua was also a very effective preacher, noted for his gentle style, soothing voice and challenging message.  He converted thousands of heretics, addressed abuses in the Church, such as simony, and brought back even more thousands to the practice of their faith.  He became known as the "Wonder Worker" due to the miracles he wrought and still continues today.  Born in Lisbon, Portugal and a member of the Clerks Regular, he arrived in Italy as the result of a shipwreck and was drawn to the newly founded Order of Friars Minor, the Franciscans, especially when he learned that five of them had been martyred while trying to convert Muslims in Northern Africa.  Eventually he met St. Francis, and became a Franciscan.  Having only insignificant tasks to do for the community at first, it was only be the failure of a scheduled preacher to show up that he took to the pulpit as his replacement, and won the approval  not only the congregation gathered in the Church, but of the Franciscans, so much so, that St. Francis commissioned him to use his education to teach the Friars and preach throughout Italy.  Hence, he is thought of by most to be Italian, but he is claimed by both Portugal and Italy.  Today, novenas, parades and feasts will be held in Italian sections of cities, such as Boston and even New York.  We often hear the suggestion, "Pray to St. Anthony."  Even today, I'm praying to him for a friend who is having an interview for a job.  We pray to him because he "gets the job done."  No wonder he is so popular!
Bro. Rene
I will be at Camp Champagnat in Ossippee, NH till Saturday, so I'm not sure if I'll have access to a computer.  This might be the last slice of bread for a few days. If the bread box is empty over the next few days, just pray to St. Anthony for the spiritual food you need.