About St. Anthony of Padua
About St. Rita of Cascia
St. Anthony of Padua is one of the Catholic Church’s most popular saints. Patron Saint of lost and stolen articles, he was a powerful Franciscan preacher and teacher. He’s typically portrayed holding the child Jesus – or a lily – or a book – or all three- in his arms. Many people give alms to St. Anthony Bread in thanksgiving to God for blessings received through prayers of St. Anthony.
St. Anthony of Padua’s life is what every Christian’s life is meant to be; a steady courage to face the ups and downs of life, the call to love and forgive, to be concerned for the needs of others, to deal with crisis great and small, and to have our feet solidly on the ground of total trusting love and dependence on God.
St. Anthony is beloved throughout the world and is responsive to all people and all needs. His intercessory powers before our God are awesome!
Anthony was born in 1195 in Lisbon, Portugal. He was a Catholic priest of the Franciscan Order and died at the age of 36 in Padua, Italy. His Feast Day is June 13th.
For centuries St. Rita of Cascia has been one of the most popular saints in the Catholic Church. She is known as the “Saint of the Impossible” because of her amazing answers to prayers, as well as the remarkable events of her own life.
St. Rita wanted to become a nun, but in obedience to her aged parents, she married. Her husband caused her much suffering, but she repaid his cruelty with prayer and kindness. In time he was converted to be considerate and God-fearing. But she was to undergo another great sorrow when her husband was murdered and found that her two sons were entertaining avenging their father’s murder. With heroic love for their souls, she begged God to take them from this life rather than allow them to commit this great sin. Not long afterward they both died after preparing themselves to meet God.
Bereft of spouse and children, St. Rita devoted herself to prayer, penance and works of charity. After praying to her three patron saints, she miraculously entered the convent where her life was marked by great charity.until her death at the age of 76. Her Feast Day is celebrated on September 29th.