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The Story of Saint Anthony
Fernando of Lisbon became Anthony, a friar who learned from Scripture and helped others through teaching, prayer and care.
Short answer: This ten-page Saint Anthony storybook for ages 6 to 12 follows Anthony from Lisbon and Coimbra through a journey interrupted by illness, years of preaching and teaching, and his life near Padua. The final page invites families to read James 1:22 and turn learning into a small act of care.
Story Summary
This ten-page story follows Anthony from Lisbon and Coimbra through a journey interrupted by illness, years of preaching and teaching, and his life near Padua. The final page invites families to read James 1:22 and put learning into a small act of care.
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Evidence for This Page
AI-generated read-aloud narration. Illustrations are original composite scenes, not historical footage.
Read the Bible and pray together
With a trusted adult, read James 1:22. This verse asks us to put what we hear into action. Try helping someone at home with a safe, simple task.
About Saint Anthony of Padua
- Lived
- c. 1195-1231
- Place
- Lisbon, Portugal, and Padua, Italy
- Status
- Canonized 1232 by Pope Gregory IX; Doctor of the Church
- Feast
- June 13
Fernando Martins was born in Lisbon around 1195 and became an Augustinian canon. When the bodies of five Franciscan martyrs from Morocco passed through Coimbra in 1220, he joined the Franciscans and took the name Anthony. He sailed for Morocco, fell ill and ended up in Italy.
For a time he worked in obscurity, until an unplanned sermon at an ordination showed how gifted a preacher he was. Saint Francis made him the first theology teacher of the Franciscans. He preached across France and northern Italy and died near Padua on June 13, 1231, at about 35. He was canonized in 1232 and named a Doctor of the Church in 1946. People ask for his help with lost things, which is a devotion and not a Church title.
Read the full life of Saint Anthony
Sources: Benedict XVI: Saint Anthony of Padua, February 10, 2010.
About this story
Illustrations are original imaginative composites, not historical footage or records of private conversations. Modern family scenes invite reflection rather than depict an event from Anthony's life.
Ill children need rest, a trusted adult and medical care. Prayer does not replace practical help or guarantee a missing object, pet or person will be found. Missing-person danger requires adult and trained help immediately. Children are not asked to imitate hazardous travel or martyrdom.
Sources
Benedict XVI: Saint Anthony of Padua
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Saint Anthony of Padua?
Born Fernando in Lisbon around 1195, Anthony became a Franciscan friar, preacher and teacher. He died near Padua in 1231.
Who is this storybook for?
Children ages 6 to 12, reading or listening with a trusted adult. The final page has a question, Bible reading, safe action and prayer.
Does prayer guarantee finding a lost thing?
No. Asking Anthony to pray is a devotional practice, not a promise. Practical help matters; a missing person needs immediate adult and trained help.