Anthony of Padua, 1195-1231

Saint Anthony was born in Lisbon, Portugal into a wealthy family. When he was only fifteen, he asked to be sent to the Abbey of Santa Cruz. After learning theology, he asked permission to leave and Abbey so that he could join the new Franciscan Order. Sometime later, the Dominican friars came to visit the Franciscans. There was confusion about who would deliver the homily. The Dominicans were known for their excellent preaching, so the Franciscans assumed it would be the Dominicans. The Dominicans assumed the Franciscans would provide one. The head of the Franciscan hermitage asked Anthony to speak on whatever the Holy Spirit told him to speak about. Anthony preached a beautiful and moving homily that impressed both groups and Anthony became known for his teaching.

On one occasion, Anthony attempted to preach the Gospel to heretics that would not listen to him. So, Anthony went down to the river banks of the town and preached to the fish. Anthony did not preach to the fish for the benefit of the fish. Rather Anthony preached for the glory of God, the delight of the angles and for his own peace of mind and heart. When the people saw the fish gather near Anthony, they realized they should also listen to what Anthony had to say.