Growing up in an Italian household, I heard the phrase “St. Anthony will help you find it!” many times. So much so that they were ingrained in me pretty much from birth! It didn’t matter what the “it” was. Whether it was an object of little monetary value, a set of keys, or an item more sentimental, my mother always had utmost trust and belief that if we prayed to the Patron Saint of Lost Things, we’d find whatever we kids had misplaced. More often than not, she was right. And I’d be lying if I said I still don’t call on him when I misplace my everyday items. If not for St. Anthony, I might never find my car keys!

My mom has always had a close relationship with St. Anthony. He is also the Patron Saint of Padova (Padua in English), and she has passed that on to me. We were excited when, a few years ago, we visited his preferred location in Italy.

​Our Visit to St. Anthony

A few years ago, on a return trip to our native Calabria, my mother, sister, and I decided to visit Padova. We visited the shrine that is devoted to St. Anthony.  

The long train ride from Calabria to Padova was forgotten once we reached the beautiful but not very “touristy” city of Padova. There’s a sense of classiness to this city that is somewhat unique. The people are beautifully dressed, the dogs are on leashes, which is not always the case in Southern Italy, and the drivers appear respectful of traffic lights, which, again, is not always the case in Southern Italy! Our first stop, and reason for the trip, was a visit to the Chapel of St. Anthony, an immense brick building, overwhelmingly stunning.

Inside the Chapel

The inside of the chapel is massive and adorned with art, religious statues, and relics of St. Anthony. A sense of calm immediately overtakes you upon entering. I knew being here meant a lot to my mother, particularly since we had lost our father not long prior and needed a restoration of faith. This was her “bucket list” trip, so my sister and I were delighted to see her content with being there.  Folks from all walks of life are drawn to this church by their intense devotion to the Saint. And she was no different. 

Whether religious or not, it is almost inconsequential once one views this beautiful chapel outside and inside. Museum-like in nature, the outside was initially built as a small, single construction, but extensive additions and renovations over the centuries reflect Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, and Byzantine influences. Architecture enthusiasts and novices alike will appreciate the beauty of the outside. Upon entering, you’ll notice it’s much like a museum. Beautiful frescoes, statues, and figurines adorn the inside. Most impressive is the statue of the Madonna and Child, sculpted by Donatello.

Anthony’s Upbringing 

​Despite being the patron Saint of Padova, St. Anthony was actually from Portugal. Born in 1195, his birth name was Ferdinand. He was born to a well-off family who had high aspirations for him, none of which included a religious calling. Despite his good fortune, he left his home at 15 to follow his religious ambitions. At the age of 25, he was ordained a priest. Soon after, he became a Franciscan friar, changing his name to Anthony. 

His goal was to go to Morocco and preach the gospel. After arriving there, he became severely ill, so he decided to return to Portugal. His boat suffered significant damage and went off course, and he eventually found himself in Sicily instead. From there, he went north to Assisi and eventually to Forli. He was asked to attend a critical sermon, but when the friar scheduled to preach did not show up, he was asked to step in his place. This is when his life as a preacher took off, and he traveled all over Italy and beyond to preach. Padova was one of his favorite places to hold his sermons.

Anthony’s Final Days 

As his health deteriorated, St. Anthony expressed his wish to return to Padova to spend his final days. However, fate had a different plan, and he passed away en route to his beloved city. On June 13th, 1231, at the age of 36, he left this world, leaving behind a legacy of countless good deeds and several reported miracles. One such miracle was a witnessed apparition of the Child Jesus in his arms. In recognition of his life and deeds, St. Anthony was canonized as a Saint in 1232. 

This is Why We All Travel

This trip, dare I say, pilgrimage, was very moving. It’s hard not to be touched when surrounded by such artistic beauty. As well as all the handwritten notes on the walls left behind by pilgrims who believe their prayers were answered by the Saint. It restored not only my religious faith but also my faith in humankind. To see this devotion is unlike any other experience one might have in Italy.

​I have beautiful memories of how we celebrated June 13th, the feast day of St. Anthony, when we lived in Italy. On this day, bread shops bake many extra bread rolls to celebrate the Saint. Rolls are bought and given away to friends, families, and neighbors as an offering of thanksgiving for prayers answered by St. Anthony. 

So, if St. Anthony has come through for you before, be it by finding your car keys or performing other more meaningful miracles, consider doing a good deed on June 13th. Perhaps buy someone less fortunate lunch and consider it a thank you to St. Anthony.