Anthony of Padua

Anthony of Padua also known as Anthony of Lisbon (1195 - June 13, 1231) is a Catholic saint.

He was born in Lisbon, Portugal, as Francisco de Bulhões, from a wealthy family. He became a Franciscan in 1221, and holds the record for the fastest canonization in history: he was declared a saint 352 days after his death. His feast is on June 13th.

He was pronounced a Doctor of the Church in 1946.

He is always represented with Jesus Child on his arms.

Saint Anthony is the patron of Lisbon, whose inhabitants call him "Santo António de Lisboa" and not "Saint Anthony of Padua", after the Italian city in Italy where he lived from 1227, teaching Theology. This causes a small rivality between the Saint's worshipers, especially the Portuguese against Italian ones.

Anthony of Padua should not be confused with Anthony the Great (251-356).

See also: saint, Padua, Lisbon.