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.