Friday, June 24, 2005
SAINT ANTHONY OF PADUA
Hammer of Heretics.
He was also an extraordinary polemicist who would debate the heretics – not have ecumenical dialogues with them, let me note in passing – and destroy them by demolishing their arguments. God used to confirm His support for St. Anthony by working miracles while he was preaching. This twofold show of arms: a powerful debate followed by miracles was what earned him the title “Hammer of Heretics.” His life had nothing to do with the insipid and ecumenical St. Anthony presented on the holy cards that so many people have.
His feast day is June 13.
Ironically, although I did not know he is credited with being the Hammer of Heretics, above my computer a wooden plaque of St. Anthony is hanging beside a similar wooden plaque of the Immaculate Conception. They were my mother's and I don't know where they came from originally. Part of the reason they hang over my computer is sentimental. They are a familiar source of comfort remembered from childhood. Part of the reason they hang there is the Blessed Virgin's reputation as a spiritual warrior against Satan. Now, it would seem, I've had team help with this research.
The EWTN website offers some additional information about St. Anthony which makes the juxtaposition of these two plaques on my wall even more intriguing:
St. Anthony is titled the Evangelical Doctor, Wonder-Worker and Hammer of Heretics; but more importantly he is renowned for his personal holiness. His sanctity and wisdom flowed from his profound, penetrating love for the Immaculate Virgin Mary. Heroically he followed the Poverello of Assisi, St. Francis, whose tender love for the poor, humble Virgin was comparable only to that of Christ Himself. As a true friar minor St. Anthony praised and glorified the Queen of the Angels from the pulpit, where with simple yet lofty doctrine he moved multitudes to savor the sweet name of Mary. Furthermore, he imitated Her with such perfection that he became, as it were, an extension of the Virgin Mother on earth.
From the outset his life was markedly Marian, being born in Lisbon on the feast of the Assumption, August 15th, 1195 A. D., and baptized in the Church of St. Mary in Lisbon. At the age of 15 he completed his studies at the Cathedral School of St. Mary. Appropriately his earthly life, ever pure and humble, was brought to a close in a similar Marian tone, for when death drew nigh he longed to be taken to the St. Mary, Mother of God Friary in Padua. After receiving Extreme Unction he intoned his favorite hymn, "O gloriosa Domina..." (O glorious Lady). He lived and died with the Virgin Mary on his lips and in his heart.
Thanks to a reader for the link.
St. Anthony of Padua, pray for us!
