The Catholic Church Celebrates the Feast of Saint Anthony of Padua and Other Saints. On June 13, Catholics honor Saint Anthony of Padua along with several other saints. On this day, large-scale services are held in Padua and Lisbon. Saint Anthony is regarded as the patron of lost things and the poor.
On June 13, the Catholic Church commemorates Saint Anthony of Padua—one of the most revered saints in the world. On this day, religious services and pilgrimages are held in Italy, Portugal, and other countries, and lines form at the basilica in Padua with people wishing to venerate the saint's relics. Saint Anthony, born in Lisbon in 1195 under the name Fernando de Bulhões, was known as an outstanding preacher and theologian who dedicated his life to serving the poor and combating heresy.
According to the ecclesiastical calendar, June 13 also honors Saint Tryphillius, Saint Ranier, Saint Cetheus, Saint Fandilas, and Saint Felicula. On this day, Catholics commemorate not only well-known saints but also the beatified whose names are included in the official Roman Martyrology. Saint Anthony of Padua holds a special place: he was canonized just 352 days after his death, making it one of the fastest canonizations in church history.
Saint Anthony is regarded as the patron of lost things and the protector of those in need. His sermons attracted thousands, and the numerous miracles attributed to him made him one of the most popular saints. Among the well-known stories is the event where, during a mass sermon, he reportedly stopped an approaching storm. His relics and tongue, which are said to remain incorrupt, are still preserved in Padua.
On this day, the Church also commemorates Saint Felicula, Blessed Aquileo of Alexandria, Saint Eulogius of Alexandria, Saint Salmodius, Saint Aventinus of Larbost, Blessed Gerard of Clairvaux, as well as Saints Augustine Phan Viet Huy and Nicholas Bui Viet The, and Blessed Maria Anna Berniacka. All of them contributed to the development of the Christian tradition and are venerated in various regions.
The Catholic calendar includes almost 7,000 saints and blesseds, each commemorated on a specific day of the year. The Roman Martyrology records these dates and serves as the official reference for believers. In Spain and other European countries, the tradition of celebrating saints’ days remains popular, while pilgrimages to relics and memorial sites continue to be an important part of religious life. Interestingly, in the context of mass events dedicated to famous figures, the church and secular organizations sometimes intersect: for example, as in the case of the evening memorial program for actress Verónica Echegui, which was featured in a special broadcast on Spanish television.
Saint Anthony of Padua remains one of the most venerated saints not only in Italy and Portugal, but also in Spain. His name is often invoked in prayers for the return of lost things, and his image is a symbol of hope for those facing difficult life situations. The Catholic calendar continues to play an important role in the lives of millions of believers, reminding them of spiritual traditions and the historical roots of European societies.
