Saint Anthony's real name was
Fernando Martins de Bulhões. He was born in 1195 in Lisbon, Portugal. He chose monastery life and became a priest in 1219. In 1220 Fernando joined the Franciscans order and changed his given name to Anthony. He died in a monastery near Padua, at the age of 36, due to ergotism he had suffered from.
St. Anthony is the patron saint of many cities, lost things, children, miners, fishermen, married and engaged couples, the poor, pregnant women, missing persons and elderly people.
He is also the patron saint of minor animals, shipwrecks, and harvests.
The feast of St. Anthony was observed on June 13. The Saint's attributes are a book, a lily, a heart, a flame, fish, bread and a donkey.