Jack Wintz, OFM

Anthony was born in 1195 (13 years after St. Francis) in Lisbon, Portugal, at the mouth of the Tagus River, from which explorers would later sail across the Atlantic. His parents, Martin and Mary Bulhom, belonged to one of the prominent families of the city and were among those who had been loyal in service to the king.

As the feast of Saint Anthony (June 13) draws near, my memories go back to Padua where I spent several days in 2014. I had the opportunity to stay for a few days in the large friary of the Conventual Franciscan Friars.

Older churches most always count Saint Anthony among their pantheon of statues. The saint of Padua is usually sculpted or portrayed holding the child Jesus—or a lily—or a book—or all three—in his arms. A bank of vigil lights will burn in front of the statue.

As Christmas approaches, I’m prompted to give you my take on Nativity stories involving the Holy Family. These stories might help us all become more mindful of the poor in our midst.

St. Anthony of Padua (1195-1231) was a Franciscan friar who spent a number of years as a traveling preacher. Besides preaching in many parts of Italy, Anthony also spent a year or two preaching in southern France.