Anthony of Padua was made a saint only one year after his death at the age of 36, but even before then, the Pope declared him a “Doctor of the Church.” Born in Portugal, Anthony left his wealthy family and went to Italy to join the Franciscan Order of religious men and women. Giving his life over to the Church, his teachings were simple and tenacious. He is known to most as the patron saint of lost items, so you may have heard the following prayer: “Saint Anthony, Saint Anthony, if it’s around, please place it where it can be found.”
