St. Anthony Feast Day Message

A Message from Father Dan Celebrate the Feast of St. Anthony!    Today is a great day for us Franciscans. It's the feast of St. Anthony of Padua (1195–1231). He was born into nobility in Lisbon, Portugal and given the name Ferdinand. His family saw to it that he was well-educated. He entered the Augustinians and was ordained. A few years later, however, he was deeply moved when the bodies of several Franciscan missionary martyrs  in Morocco were returned to Portugal for burial. Ferdinand was inspired to join the Franciscan Order, taking the new name of Anthony.  Anthony was a gifted popular preacher. He was nicknamed "Hammer of Heretics" due to his zealous opposition against all false teachings he encountered. Many miracles are attributed to Anthony, yet he's best known for help in finding lost things. According to legend, a novice who'd planned to leave the religious life stole Anthony's beloved book of psalms. When Anthony prayed for its return, that novice brought back the book and decided to rejoin the order.  Anthony's short life was fascinating. To learn more read Saint Anthony of Padua: His Life, Legends and Devotions by Fr. Jack Wintz, O.F.M. As the patron saint of our St. Anthony Messenger magazine, Anthony is our daily inspiration. Would you like to inspire someone? Why not send a St. Anthony e-card? These and other e-cards are available at CatholicGreetings.org.  Our digital ministry takes many forms. Thanks to your support we offer websites, like FranciscanMedia.org. We maintain an active social presence through our Facebook, Twitter and YouTube pages. Our books are now in e-book form with many are also  available as audiobooks. Two years ago St. Anthony Messenger magazine became available in digital format.  Please join us in the work of evangelization in the spirit of St. Anthony of Padua. Would you consider donating $50, $75, $100 or more? Your tax-deductible donation in any amount helps us pay the costs of touching many millions each year with the Good News of the Gospel.    Use our secure online donation form or mail a donation payable to the Franciscans, Franciscan Media, 28 W. Liberty St., Cincinnati, OH 45202. If you prefer, you may phone in a credit-card donation for our evangelization ministries at 1-866-543-6870 or, in Canada., 845-267-3051. Peace and every blessing,   Fr. Dan Kroger, O.F.M. Publisher, Franciscan Media Copyright © 2016 Franciscan Media, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in at a Franciscan Media website. Our mailing address is: Franciscan Media 28 W Liberty Street Cincinnati, OH 45202 Add us to your address book unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences