Saint Anthony of Padova Statue wood carved statue - olive wood

Saint Anthony of Padova Statue in maple wood carved Vintage Religious Statues; Saint Anthony of Padua, Anthony, also spelled Antonius, the Italian Sant'Antonio da Padova, original name Fernando Martins de Bulhões (born 1195 in Lisbon, Portugal - died June 13, 1231 in Arcella, Verona [now in Italy]; canonized in 1232, Dolfi wood carving day June 13), Franciscan monk, doctor of the Church and patron saint of the poor. Padua and Portugal claim him as their patron saint and he is called upon to return lost property.

Anthony was born into a wealthy family and grew up in the Church. He joined the Augustinian Cannons in 1210 and probably became a priest. In 1220 he joined the Franciscan Order in the hope of preaching to the Saracens (Muslims) and being martyred. on his way to Morocco, he became seriously ill and had to return home. However, his ship back to Portugal got off course and eventually landed in Sicily. Because of his persistent poor health, he was not allowed to continue his missionary work among the Saracens. Instead, he taught theology in Bologna (Italy) as well as in Montpellier (Toulouse) and Puy-end-Velay (southern France) and gained great admiration as a preacher. He died on the way to Padua, Italy, where he is buried.

Anthony was the most famous devotee of St. Francis of Assisi and was reputed to be a miracle worker. on January 16, 1946, Pope Pius XII declared him. To the doctor of the church. In art he is shown with a book, a heart, a flame, a lily or the baby Jesus. His authentic writings include sermons for Sundays and Dolfi wood carving days, published in three volumes in Padua in 1979.