Feast of Saint Anthony of Padua

The Feast of Saint Anthony of Padua is celebrated on 13 June each year in honor of the beloved Catholic saint. Marked especially in Italy, Portugal, Brazil, Albania, India, and other countries, the day brings together communities to remember Anthony’s life of preaching, compassion, and miraculous deeds.

• Celebrated on 13 June, the anniversary of Saint Anthony’s death
• Major festivities in Padua, Italy, and Lisbon, Portugal
• Saint Anthony is patron of lost things and miracles
• Processions and special Masses are central to the day
• Lilies and candles are common offerings at his shrines

What it is

The Feast of Saint Anthony of Padua is a spiritual celebration dedicated to one of the most revered saints in the Catholic tradition. Known for his powerful preaching, deep compassion, and numerous miracles, Saint Anthony is especially called upon by those seeking help in finding lost items or people. On his feast day, believers gather in churches and shrines to honor his memory, reflect on his teachings, and seek his intercession. The day is both a solemn remembrance and a joyful occasion, as communities come together to celebrate a figure who continues to inspire faith and hope across the world.

Where it comes from

Saint Anthony was born in Lisbon, Portugal, in 1195 and became a Franciscan friar after being inspired by the martyrdom of fellow Franciscans. He spent much of his life preaching and teaching across Italy and France, earning a reputation for his eloquence and wisdom. Anthony died in Padua, Italy, in 1231, and was canonized less than a year later due to the many miracles attributed to him. His feast day, set on the anniversary of his death, has been observed for centuries by Catholics and Anglicans alike, especially in regions where he lived and preached.

How it is celebrated

Celebrations for the Feast of Saint Anthony of Padua often begin with special church services, where prayers and hymns are offered in his honor. In cities like Padua and Lisbon, processions wind through the streets, sometimes carrying relics or statues of the saint. Many devotees light candles or offer lilies, a symbol associated with Anthony, at his shrines. In some places, the day is marked by acts of charity, reflecting Anthony’s care for the poor and oppressed. Stories of his miracles, such as preaching to the fish and the miracle of the mule, are retold, and people pray for his help in finding lost things. The atmosphere is one of reverence, gratitude, and communal spirit.

Joining in

Visitors to Padua, Lisbon, or other cities with strong devotion to Saint Anthony can expect vibrant gatherings on 13 June. The Basilica of Saint Anthony in Padua and the Church of Saint Anthony in Lisbon are major pilgrimage sites, drawing crowds for Mass, processions, and veneration of relics. Even as a newcomer, one can join in the prayers, observe the rituals, and experience the warmth of local hospitality. It’s a day when the city’s streets fill with music, flowers, and a shared sense of devotion.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article Anthony of Padua, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• Anthony of Padua on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

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