"St Anthony was born in Lisbon in 1195, and christened Fernando. His parents were wealthy and of noble extraction. His oldest autobiography recounts that he studied at the school of the cathedral adjacent to his father's house. There he studied grammar, rhetoric, dialectic and plainsong.
Early miracles
"In one such story, he was playing with his friends when one of his companions accidentally broke the water jar of a servant who was going to draw water at a well. Moved with pity for the poor girl, Fernando carefully gathered the pieces together and the vase was restored instantly.
In another account, charged by his brother to shoot away a few sparrows pilfering the family's garden, he felt impelled to go to church...he called to the birds and upon hearing his voice these allowed themselves to be herded into a cabana. Fernando shut them in and serenely proceeded to go and pray before the Blessed Sacrament."
Source: St ANTHONY of Padua by Fr Thomas de St Laurent published by Australia Needs Fatima
p. 1-5. (Quoted)
Reflection:
To be a saint is a calling and an acceptance of the calling. God give the saints the grace to obey His commandments. Without grace, it is impossible to be a saint! One cannot work by himself to be a great Saint. It takes time, prayer, dedication, devotion, assistance to the needy and poor! It is not magic or an overnight sensation. It is a process where trials, tribulations and sufferings could be a part of the growth of a saint.
St ANTHONY of Padua is a saint beloved by the world because of God's providence and miracles
granted to this humble saint. I have experienced a lot of miracles through his powerful intercession; finding lost things almost impossible to find, granting of petitions and promotion of peace, love and unity.
St. Anthony of Padua, pray for us!
Cynthia Abegail Bernardo
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