Anthony was born in Lisbon Portugal in 1195. He joined the Canons Regular of St Augustine but, shortly after ordination to the priesthood, transferred to the Friars Minor at Coimbra to devote himself to spreading the faith among the Africans. He had his greatest success, however, preaching in France and Italy and converting heretics. He was the first member of his Order to teach theology to his brethren. His sermons are notable for their learning and gentleness. He is still popularly invoked for finding lost objects. He is known as the “Evangelical Doctor.” He died at Padua in 1231. He was canonised a year after his death. – CTS New Daily Roman Missal 2012, p 2753; Christian Prayer 1990, p 1148
