How Did Saint Anthony Die? The Life and Passing of a Revered Catholic Saint

Saint Anthony of Padua was one of the most celebrated figures in the Catholic tradition, renowned for his powerful preaching, ascetic lifestyle, and the many miracles attributed to him. During his relatively short life, he inspired countless followers and left an indelible mark on the church. Even today, over 800 years after his death, he remains one of the most venerated saints worldwide.

So how did this remarkable man pass away? Here is an in-depth look at Saint Anthony‘s life, his enduring spiritual legacy, and the details surrounding his death at the young age of 36.

Overview of Saint Anthony‘s Life and Significance

Saint Anthony was born Fernando Martins de Bulhões in Lisbon, Portugal in 1195 to a wealthy family. As a young man, he felt called to religious life and joined the Augustinian order, taking the name Anthony. He was ordained as a priest at age 25.

In 1220, Anthony met and was deeply moved by Franciscan friars who had recently returned from Morocco. Inspired by their faith and devotion, Anthony requested to leave the Augustinians and join the Franciscan order himself.

As a Franciscan friar, Anthony quickly became known as a powerful preacher and teacher with the ability to draw crowds of thousands. He had a deep knowledge of scripture and theology. The church recognized Anthony‘s gifts and knowledge by naming him the very first Doctor of the Church.

In addition to his preaching, Anthony practiced an ascetic lifestyle focused on poverty, chastity, fasting, and prayer. His devotion was admired by many. He was also known as a healer and miracle worker, with legends crediting him with powers over animals, food, and nature.

Early Life and Entry into Religious Life

Fernando Martins de Bulhões was born in 1195 to a wealthy family in Lisbon, Portugal. His father, Martin de Bouillon, was a well-respected member of the court of King Afonso II. As a child, Fernando was educated at the local cathedral school.

At age 15, Fernando decided to join the Augustinian religious order, inspired by their dedication to monastic life. He took the name Anthony upon entering the order.

For the next nine years, Anthony remained with the Augustinians and was ordained as a priest in Coimbra. He led a quiet life of study, prayer, and teaching theology to his fellow monks. Over time, Anthony became distressed by the wealth and corruptness he observed within the church. He longed for a life of greater poverty and simplicity.

Conversion to the Franciscans

In 1220, Anthony crossed paths with a group of Franciscan friars who had recently returned from preaching in Morocco. He was deeply impressed by their joy, devotion, and living simply in the manner of Jesus.

Anthony requested permission to leave the Augustinians and join the Franciscans himself. Once approved, he gave away his possessions, adopted the brown robes of the Franciscans, and took up a life of preaching around Italy.

Now known as Anthony of Padua, he quickly gained a reputation as an exceptional orator and preacher. Crowds numbering over 30,000 would gather to hear him speak. His eloquence, knowledge of scripture, and excellent memory enabled him to connect deeply with listeners.

Saint Anthony‘s Preaching and Teaching

As a member of the Franciscans, Anthony traveled constantly around Italy and France preaching to increasingly large crowds. He chose to preach outside rather than in churches so all could attend freely.

In 1227, Anthony was invited to a gathering of Dominican and Franciscan monks in Bologna. He was asked to give an impromptu lecture to prove his knowledge of scripture. His eloquent speech left the crowd in awe and firmly established his reputation as an expert theologian.

In another famous episode, Anthony attempted to preach to a group of heretics who refused to listen. Instead, he went to the shores of the river and preached to the fish. When critics mocked him, he told them the fish heard God‘s word while the heretics refused.

Anthony‘s dedication to teaching others about Christianity also earned him the title of Doctor Evangelicus or "Doctor of the Gospel." He was later recognized as the very first Doctor of the Church for his contribution to theology.

Ascetic and Miraculous Life

In accordance with Franciscan values, Anthony lived simply and practiced self-denial through poverty, fasting, and abstinence. However, he suffered frequent bouts of poor health that sometimes left him exhausted.

Throughout his journeys across Italy and France, legends arose crediting Anthony with the ability to perform miracles. He was said to have healed the sick, interacted with animals, multiplied food, and more. Word of these miracles always brought more people flocking to hear Anthony preach.

One famous miracle involved a skeptical man who didn‘t believe the Eucharist was truly the body of Christ. He challenged Anthony to prove it by having his mule starve for three days and then show it would move only for the Eucharist. The mule refused all food but knelt reverently before the sacrament.

These miracles contributed to Anthony‘s reputation over the centuries as a saint capable of powerful acts and intercessions.

Final Days, Death, and Legacy

In 1231, Anthony‘s health took a grave turn and he was transported back to Padua. He had been fasting and his extreme asceticism had worn out his body.

As he neared death, Anthony encouraged his fellow monks to continue upholding their duties and pursue spiritual perfection. Witnesses stated that he remained joyful and kept repeating "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

Anthony died on June 13, 1231 at the age of 36. Immediately following his death, children and the sick were brought to touch his body and several miraculous healings were reported.

Anthony was canonized as a saint on May 30, 1232, not even a year after his passing. That same year, construction began on the Basilica of Saint Anthony in Padua, where his remains are enshrined to this day.

The speed of Anthony‘s canonization and church built in his honor reflected his enormous popularity and reputation as a holy man. Even now, he remains one of the most well-loved saints, with followers praying to him for his intercession in finding lost items, healing, and spiritual guidance. His life stands as an enduring example of faith, devotion, and sacrifice to all who know his story.