Click on this link to see some
pictures of
the Church in Broadstone and to learn a
little more about its history.
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Saint Anthony of Padua (1195-1231)
Born in Lisbon of noble parents and christened Ferdinand, he was educated at the Lisbon Cathedral school. His wealthy parents wanted him to be a great nobleman but, realising his religious vocation, he joined the Canons Regular of St Augustine, where he remained for eight years, studying, praying and gaining a profound knowledge of scripture and doctrine.
He was so deeply affected by the sight of the mutilated bodies of St Bernard and his four companions, the first Franciscan martyrs, which were brought to his church to be buried, that he decided to join the Franciscan Friars in 1220, taking the name of Anthony.
Following a period of illness, his gift for oratory was recognised when he was asked to preach at an event after a speaker failed to arrive. From that time on, he travelled to France, Italy, where he met Francis of Assisi, visited numerous universities, and was the first Franciscan to teach theology. His sincere and fervent teaching of the Catholic Faith could be understood by all and he attracted great crowds wherever he went. He became known as the 'Hammer of Heretics' and the 'Ark of the New Testament'.
His last years were spent in Padua, where he died aged 36 on 13 June 1231, and was given a grand and glorious funeral reflecting the esteem in which he was held. He was canonised by Pope Gregory IX at Spoleto, Italy, on 30 May 1232, and proclaimed a Doctor of the Church by Pope Pius XII on 16 January 1946.
The bones of St Anthony rest in a richly ornamented chapel in the Basilica di Sant'Antonio da Padova (called simply Il Santo locally). His tomb lies underneath the imposing altar and is visited daily by countless pilgrims. Many votive offerings have been left in the chapel in thanksgiving for favours and blessings received.
St Anthony, renowned for his powerful intercession, is patron of the poor, the starving, seekers of lost articles and many more. Statues and paintings of him are found everywhere and typically show him carrying the Christ Child, a book, a lily and, sometimes, bread.
The feast day of this well-loved saint is celebrated on 13 June. |
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St Francis Leprosy Guild 
