Franciscan Spirit

Anthony became linked to the city of Padua although he did not live their permanently until he had completed his service as provincial minister.

Anthony is linked to finding lost objects. More importantly, many people have found anew a faith that previously seemed lifeless and useless.

Anthony’s knowledge of the Scriptures and his ability to apply them to daily life led to an assignment from Francis himself: Anthony should go to Bologna and teach Scripture to the young friars.

Anthony had sought solitude as an Augustinian canon in Coimbra, but that city attracted many visitors.

Anthony was a missionary in Morocco for less than a year. Little is known about those months except that Anthony became so ill that his superiors decided to send him back home.

Anthony had an extraordinary knowledge of Scripture, thanks to the natural gifts that were expanded by his excellent education as an Augustinian canon.