The Portuguese Saint Who Conquered the World.
Santo António de Lisboa, or Santo António de Padua, as he is known in Italy, is one of the most revered and beloved figures of the Catholic faith, not only in Europe but throughout the world. Us PALOP – Portuguese-speaking African countries – devotion to Saint Anthony is deeply rooted, and he is venerated as a source of inspiration and a beacon of hope.
Inheritance of Portuguese influence during the colonial period, the cult of Saint Anthony in countries such as Angola, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde and São Tomé and Príncipe persists until today. Through devotional practices, processions and festive celebrations, the peoples of the PALOP honor the memory of this Saint, who is for many an example of virtue, charity and humility.
This strong connection to Santo António, a prominent Portuguese figure in the history of the Catholic Church, also underlines the deep cultural and spiritual relationship that unites the PALOP and Portugal. The Lisbon Saint, known throughout the world, serves as a link between these countries and the Portuguese nation, illustrating the influence of faith and the Portuguese language in the construction of their cultural identities.
In this article, we will delve into the life and work of Santo António, exploring his path from the Lisbon Cathedral to the Italian city of Padua, and discover how his influence extends beyond borders, permeating the spirituality of the PALOP peoples. .
A Saint Born in Lisbon
Santo António, the most celebrated Portuguese Saint worldwide, was born in Lisbon, according to the story, it was in Alfama, in a house close to the church of Santa Maria Maior, today the Cathedral of Lisbon and where, as a witness of his baptism, highlights the XNUMXth-century baptistery, a place marked by the beauty of the decoration of the tile panels.
The influence of Santo António on the Lisbon Cathedral is still visible on the staircase leading to the high choir, where a cross engraved on the wall perpetuates his presence. It is believed that the cross of Saint Anthony was engraved by the Saint himself as a way of warding off a demonic temptation he experienced while studying at church school.
In the XNUMXth century and based on oral traditions, the name Martim or Martinho de Bulhões began to be attributed to his father, said to be a descendant of Godofredo de Bulhões, Commander of the XNUMXst Crusade, and his mother Maria Teresa Azevedo Taveira, who they say, would descend from the King of Asturias Fruela Iº (Froila Iº, in Galician-Portuguese of the time).
However, this descent was never confirmed, as well as the name given to him at baptism, which would have been Fernando de Bulhões.
Simplicity in Coimbra
Fernando Martins de Bulhões, later known as Santo António, began his spiritual formation under the guidance of the Order of Canons Regular of Saint Augustine, at the Lisbon Cathedral. Longing for a life of introspection and simplicity, Fernando would later opt for the Franciscan Order, a path that led him to Coimbra.
The young Fernando entered the Monastery of São Vicente de Fora, in Lisbon, as a novice, where he devoted himself to the study of the liberal arts of the trivium and quadrivium. At the age of 15, seeking to improve his religious training and achieve greater distance from family and friends who frequently visited him, he asked for a transfer to the Monastery of Santa Cruz, in Coimbra.
At the time, Coimbra was the capital and intellectual center of Portugal. In this monastery, Fernando was deeply involved in the study of the Bible and the texts of the learned Fathers of the Church. The monastery of Santa Cruz, owner of the best monastic library in the country, provided him with the necessary resources to intensify his theological preparation.
The Impact of the Crusades
In the thirteenth century, the Christian world was involved in the Cruzadas, religious conflicts against Islam, which awakened new forms of spirituality. In the midst of this turmoil, charismatic figures emerged that would change the religious landscape, such as Francis of Assisi.
In 1209 Francis gave up the wealth of his father's house to adopt a humble and simple lifestyle. With his companions he formed a small community, proposing a new interpretation of evangelical life.
The philosophy of Francisco de Assis, which valued simplicity and sacrifice, exerted a strong fascination on young people at the time, in particular those from wealthy families.
Fernando, our future Santo António, was one of those young people. Living in Coimbra at the time, he felt attracted by the philosophy of Francisco de Assis and, after meeting some Franciscan missionaries who, inspired by the spirit of simplicity and detachment, planned to leave for Morocco to evangelize. Deeply touched by their devotion, Fernando felt a strong call to join them.
In this scenario of spiritual renewal, motivated by the idea of a more humble life of simplicity and detachment, in line with the evangelical teachings, he adopted the name António and changed his religious order, joining the Franciscan Order in the hermitage of Olivais, thus preparing himself to the future mission that would take him to Italy.
Morocco: An Interrupted Journey
The year 1220 was marked by an event that shook the Christian community: the martyrdom of five Franciscan friars in Morocco. With the arrival of the relics of these martyrs at the Convent of Santa Cruz in Coimbra, António felt a deep call to follow in the footsteps of these martyrs and contribute to the conversion of Muslims to the Christian faith. However, fate had other plans.
Determined to follow his calling, he left for Morocco. His mission, however, would be interrupted by a serious illness that affected him. In an attempt to recover, he boarded a ship bound for Portugal, but a violent storm altered the vessel's route, taking it to Sicily, where he found former fellow friars.
This unexpected detour would be remarkable for António's trajectory. In Sicily, during a period of strife between Pope Gregory IX and King Frederick II, he was given time to recover.
With his health restored, he felt that his journey was not yet over. In 1221, he then decided to continue his journey to Assisi, to meet San Francisco de Assisi, in the Chapter of that religious Order.
Thus, a journey that began with the purpose of evangelization in Morocco was interrupted by illness and the force of nature. However, these adversities did not divert António from his greater purpose, they only changed the stage where his mission would unfold.
An Exceptional Speaker
At the General Chapter of the Franciscan Order in 1221, he emerged as a distinguished orator. This event marked the beginning of his trajectory as a preacher of the word of Christ, taking him to travel through different regions of Italy.
In a significant episode that took place in Forli, in the Emilia-Romagna region, during the ordination of some Franciscan friars, the preacher originally appointed for the ceremony was absent. He was invited to intervene, gaining immediate recognition for the eloquence and fluidity of his speech.
His oratorical talent caught the attention of the founder of the Franciscan Order, Francis of Assisi, who gave him special approval to continue his pastoral work. He then settled in Bologna, where he devoted himself to teaching theology, philosophy and preaching. His reputation led him to teach at the universities of Toulouse and Montpellier in France.
After the death of Francis of Assisi in 1226, he was appointed representative of the Franciscan Order to Pope Gregory IX. The following year, he assumed the position of Provincial Minister of the Franciscan Order in the Emilia-Romagna region.
For three years, he preached throughout this region, including the city of Padua. It was during this period that he wrote many of his famous sermons, bolstering his reputation as an exceptional speaker.
Last Years in Padua
His remarkable ability to communicate in an understandable and engaging way drew crowds, cementing his reputation. Her immensely popular sermons were often held outdoors because of the large crowds.
In 1230, António asked the Pope to release him from his functions as Provincial Minister, preferring to dedicate himself entirely to preaching and contemplation. At that stage, he lived almost cloistered in the monastery he had founded in Padua.
The following year, a disease called dropsy led him to retire to rest in the hermitage of Campo San Pietro, near Padua. Feeling that the end was approaching, he returned to Padua, where he died in the Convent of the Poor Clares of Araceli on June 13, 1231.
Antony was respected by both learned clergy and the poorest, thanks to his eloquence and the intensity of his sermons. Yours "77 Sunday and Festive sermons” portrayed fervor and authenticity, always defending the less fortunate and scolding those who lived obsessed with material goods.
Continuous study and reading in various libraries enriched his knowledge in many areas, including natural sciences, natural history, cosmography, mineralogy, botany, physics, astronomy and optics, as well as classics such as Aristotle and Pliny the Elder.
The combination of his exceptional gifts and the humility with which he defended social justice made António a renowned intellectual in the Middle Ages. It can be argued that he was the first Portuguese to gain universal recognition for his eloquence and diverse abilities.
So profound was the impact of his life and work that he was canonized the year after his death, on May 30, 1232, by Pope Gregory IX.
The Legacy of Saint Anthony
Saint Anthony's death in 1231 began a legacy of faith that endures to this day. His canonization the following year was a unique milestone in Church history.
António is today one of the most venerated saints of the Catholic Church, admired for his humility, dedication to poverty and tireless devotion to the study and preaching of the Gospel. His homilies, rich in eloquence and theological depth, continue to be objects of study and veneration.
In the Basilica of Santo António in Padua, where his mortal remains are deposited, thousands of faithful and tourists visit annually. This designation of Saint Anthony of Padua comes from the Christian tradition of the Saints adopting the name of the place of death or apparition. However, in Portugal and in Portuguese-speaking countries, its veneration maintains its origin, being known as Santo António de Lisboa.
Saint Anthony, patron saint of the poor, oppressed, animals, fishermen, the elderly, pregnant women and farmers, is invoked in search of help to find lost objects. His influence extends across the world, being evident in the many churches and chapels dedicated to him, such as St. Anthony's Church Kochchikade in Colombo, former Ceylon (present-day Sri Lanka).
This church, which began as a humble chapel, has become an important place of worship, attracting worshipers of different faiths every Tuesday to thank and praise Saint Anthony.
Portugal celebrates the memory of Santo António on a large scale. In Lisbon, his hometown, the celebrations of Saint Anthony's Day, on the 13th of June, are one of the highlights of the year. The party animates the streets, with popular marches, music and the irresistible and delicious grilled sardines, a typical dish of this festive season.
The festivities include the venerated tradition of the “Casamentos de Santo António”, where several couples are united in marriage in a collective ceremony at the Lisbon Cathedral, a place that saw the young Fernando de Bulhões, later known as Santo António, take the first steps to the sanctity.
Conclusion
From his humble beginnings in Lisbon to his impact on the Catholic Church and the society of his time, Santo António's life is a testament to his quest for genuine spirituality.
Its history and legacy endure, not only in the festive celebrations in Lisbon and in the PALOP, where devotion to Saint Anthony is deeply rooted, but also in the various churches and monuments dedicated to him around the world.
Did you know the story of Santo António? Do you also celebrate the festivities of Santo António, even if you are not in Lisbon? We want to know your opinion, do not hesitate to comment and if you liked the article, share and give a “like/like”.
See also:
Stop suffocating Africa, says Pope Francis
Africa's role in transatlantic slavery
Picture: © DR
