Saint Antonius: From Buhmann to the folk hero - a life of life full of miracles

Saint Antonius: From Buhmann to the folk hero - a life of life full of miracles

Padua, Italien - this day, June 13, 2025, the death of St. Antonius of Padua marks the 794th anniversary. Every year, numerous believers make a pilgrimage to Padua, his last place of work, to commit this special date. The enthusiasm for the saint is unbroken, and his life and work still captivate many people today. Schwäbische Post reports that Antonius was not popular during his lifetime. He played a crucial role in the poverty dispute within the Franciscan order, which brought him the displeasure of both parties.

Antonius was a mediator in a conflict that raised the question of whether Jesus Christ had money or property. This meant that he was perceived as a failed arbitrator and perceived as a "bogus" for the split front. But this did not reduce its influence and popularity after his death when he became one of the popular folk holies and took over numerous patronage, including for the poor, bakers, miners and travelers.

The legend of the saint

born around 1195 in Lisbon, Portugal, Antonius came from a noble family and received excellent religious training. In 1212 he joined the Augustinian canon before he became a Franciscan in 1220 and accepted the name Antonius. His life story is characterized by his tireless effort as a preacher, which worked in both northern Italy and southern France. Heiligenlexikon emphasizes that he became legendary, especially during his sensational sermons in Padua, where up to 30,000 listeners gathered.

One of the most famous moments from his life is the sermon on the port of Rimini, in which fish gathered around him. This anecdote not only shows his charismatic personality, but also his deep faith and his ability to inspire people. His extraordinary talent of speech contributed to the fact that Pope Gregor IX. described him as the "treasure chest of the Holy Scripture", which underlines its meaning. [Katholisch.de] (https://www.katholisch.de/artikel/13674-antonius-von-padua- der-preacher) also reports that Antonios influence remained noticeable long after his death.

Patron and Wunderwirker

Antonius is not only worshiped as a patron saint of many, but also as a saint for objects believed to be lost - a fact that earned him the nickname "sloppy tone" in Bavaria. Believers pray to him to find their lost things again, and his day of remembrance is celebrated in many countries, often with festive weddings and moves. The Basilica Sant’Antonio in Padua is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites, where its relics are kept in a magnificent golden reliquary.

In a world in which things are often lost or that is missing, St. Antonius offers a source of consolation and hope. His universal messages and his commitment to the needy are driving many to pay homage to him in these times and to trust his intercession.