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The Feast of St. Anthony (1195-1231), one of Italy's most beloved saints, is widely celebrated throughout Italy. Although born in Lisbon, Portugal he preached througout Italy. He stayed in Padua briefly but was instantly endeared into the hearts of the Paduans. In Padua his feast day is celebrated at the Basilica of Sant'Antonio with a procession of his relics followed by a torchlight procession that goes along the Bacchiglione River. Around the church, the town square and throughout the city of Padua you will find street vendors with numerous images of St. Anthony. The shrine itself is one of the most important in Padua and for Italy. One of the symbols associated with St. Anthony is the lily and you will see statues of him holding the Baby Jesus with a lily ever present. The children of Padua honor their patron saint by dressing up as little friars as St. Anthony was a Franciscan friar. He is the patron saint of lost articles as well as barren women, the poor, domestic animals, and travelers. For more information on the life of St. Anthony you can refer to the websites listed below. |
