Saint Anthony of Padua

I was born in Lisbon, Portugal in 1195 into a wealthy noble family. When I was fifteen years old, I became an Augustinian. I spent the next eleven years praying and studying the Bible. At 26 years old, I saw the bodies of several Franciscans who died as martyrs as they were preaching the Gospel in Morocco. I felt strongly called to be part of the Franciscan order. But as soon as I arrived in Morocco to preach, I fell ill and had to go to Italy. I lived for a time as a hermit, due to my illness, and felt depressed for I could not realise my deepest desires. One day no preacher was available, and I was forced to stand up and speak. My works of grace and faith amazed the people present. This changed my life drastically. I began to preach throughout Italy and became a famous preacher. Many people who had lost God, found him again through my words. In my later years I was based in Padua, Italy, where I died aged 36.