Catholic Saints: Episode on St. Anthony of Padua

Release Date: June 13, 2025
Host: Taylor Kemp, Vice President of Content, Augustine Institute
Guest: Dr. Ariel Harms, Director of Pastoral Theology Program, Augustine Institute

Introduction

[00:02] Taylor Kemp opens the episode by welcoming listeners to "Catholic Saints," a podcast dedicated to exploring the lives of men and women officially recognized as saints by the Catholic Church. She introduces Dr. Ariel Harms, marking her first appearance on the podcast.

Guest Introduction and Background

[00:42] Dr. Ariel Harms shares her initial expectations for the episode, anticipating a discussion centered on the saint's importance.
[00:59] Dr. Harms elaborates on her role at the Augustine Institute, where she teaches pastoral theology and directs the Master of Arts in Pastoral Theology program.

Notable Quote:
"Many of our students either are working in a ministry, especially at parishes or at the diocesan level... they need a little bit more formation for what they are doing." — Dr. Ariel Harms ([01:14])

St. Anthony of Padua: Early Life

[02:16] Dr. Harms confirms that St. Anthony's feast day is celebrated on June 13th.
[02:23] She begins detailing St. Anthony's origins, noting his birth in Lisbon, Portugal, in 1195 to a noble family. Originally named Fernando, Anthony was educated at the cathedral school in Lisbon.

Notable Quote:
"And he had the gift of an exceptionally retentive memory, so that he acquired what was really an extraordinary knowledge of the Bible." — Dr. Ariel Harms ([02:25])

Vocation and Joining Religious Orders

[03:02] Taylor Kemp inquires about his family's faith, to which Dr. Harms responds affirmatively, highlighting the supportive Catholic environment that nurtured his vocation.

[04:09] Dr. Harms narrates a pivotal moment in Anthony's life: his encounter with the relics of martyred Franciscans around age 25, inspiring him to embrace martyrdom, a path unavailable within the Augustinian order. This led him to join the newly established Franciscan Order in 1221, where he adopted the name Anthony.

Notable Quote:
"He said, Anthony reminds us that prayer requires an atmosphere of silence, which does not mean distance from external noise, but rather is an interior experience..." — Dr. Ariel Harms ([10:20])

Ministry and Preaching Excellence

[04:28] Upon joining the Franciscans, Anthony initially held low-level positions. However, an impromptu preaching opportunity at an ordination ceremony revealed his extraordinary eloquence and scriptural knowledge.

[06:40] His impactful preaching quickly gained recognition, leading to his commissioning as a dedicated preacher. Dr. Harms emphasizes Anthony's ability to attract and convert crowds through his fervent and knowledgeable sermons.

Notable Quote:
"So he delivered this homily that was so eloquent, so inspiring, full of fervor, and showed, you know, that study that he'd done with the Bible during his years as an Augustinian." — Dr. Ariel Harms ([05:33])

Leadership and Legacy

[07:52] In 1224, St. Francis entrusted Anthony with the theological formation of the friars, underscoring his significance within the order.
[08:02] By 1226, Anthony was appointed the provincial superior of the Franciscans in northern Italy, leading to his relocation to Padua, where he would remain until his untimely death in 1231 at the age of 36.

Notable Quote:
"People near him saw him as a saint and the church did, too." — Dr. Ariel Harms ([15:55])

Patronage and Miracles

[12:06] Taylor Kemp brings up St. Anthony's well-known patronage of lost items. Dr. Harms recounts a story illustrating this aspect:
Anthony prized a handwritten book of psalms essential for his preaching. When a novice stole the book, Anthony's fervent prayer not only led to the book's return but also the repentant novice's reconciliation with the Franciscan order.

Notable Quote:
"So he prayed for it to come back. And not only did the book come back, but the novice came back and rejoined the Franciscan order, too." — Dr. Ariel Harms ([12:42])

Impact and Canonization

[15:47] Dr. Harms highlights the remarkable speed of Anthony's canonization—less than a year after his death—reflecting the immediate recognition of his sanctity by both contemporaries and the Church.

[16:04] The conversation touches upon the dual heritage of St. Anthony as both Portuguese and Italian, given his birthplace and the majority of his life's work being in Italy.

Lessons for Today

[14:28] Dr. Harms advises listeners to emulate Anthony's preparedness for evangelization. Despite initially joining the Augustinians without the intent to preach, his dedicated study and prayer life equipped him to fulfill his calling effectively when the opportunity arose.

[15:00] She recommends being intimately familiar with the life of Christ and recognizing God's work in one's own life as foundational for effective evangelization.

Notable Quote:
"He had entered the Augustinians. They weren't preachers. But he was prepared anyway when the time came to present the gospel in the way that he was called to do it." — Dr. Ariel Harms ([14:28])

Conclusion

[16:53] Taylor Kemp concludes the episode by promoting "Formed," the Augustine Institute's online platform, which features a cinematic portrayal of St. Anthony's life. She also teases the next episode focused on St. Aloysius Gonzaga.

[16:54] Dr. Harms expresses gratitude for participating, signaling her ongoing involvement in future episodes.

Key Takeaways

• Dedication to Study and Prayer: St. Anthony's profound knowledge of scripture and his disciplined prayer life were foundational to his effectiveness as a preacher.

• Adaptability and Readiness: His ability to seize opportunities, even unexpected ones like stepping in at an ordination, showcases the importance of being prepared for unforeseen calls to service.

• Immediate Sanctity Recognition: Anthony's rapid canonization underscores the significant impact of his ministry and personal holiness.

• Patronage of Lost Items: The story of his lost book symbolizes his role as a patron not only of lost things but also of lost souls, emphasizing reconciliation and restoration.

• Educational Formation: His appointment by St. Francis to educate friars highlights the value of mentorship and teaching in religious life.

Recommended Resources

• Formed Platform: Explore the Augustine Institute's library of resources, including the cinematic rendition of St. Anthony's life, by visiting watch.formed.org.

• Further Reading: "The Power of Silence" by Cardinal Robert Sarah offers an in-depth exploration of the value of silence in spiritual life, resonating with St. Anthony's emphasis on interior silence.

This episode of "Catholic Saints" provides a comprehensive and engaging exploration of St. Anthony of Padua's life, highlighting his journey from a noble Portuguese upbringing to his influential role within the Franciscan Order in Italy. Through insightful discussion and notable anecdotes, listeners gain a deeper understanding of Anthony's enduring legacy and the timeless lessons his life offers for contemporary faith practice.