About Saint Anthony of Padua

Anthony was born in Lisbon, Portugal, in 1195 and from an early age wished to become a missionary. He joined the Franciscan order in 1220 and was sent to Morocco, but ill health forced his return to Europe. In order to attend a general chapter of the Franciscans, he visited Assisi in 1221, when Francis was still alive. He then taught theology in Italy and travelled throughout France, and later Italy again, preaching (he was the foremost preacher in his day) and furthering the work of his order. 

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