St. Anthony was born in a noble family in Lisbon, Portugal in 1195. When he was 15 Anthony joined the Augustinian order to study Scripture. He moved to Italy and remained in the Order for 10 years and gained great knowledge due to his amazing gift of memory. (It is said that St. Anthony memorized the entire Bible) He was ordained to the priesthood near the end of his life as an Augusinian.
In 1220 Anthony witnesses the procession of the bodies of St. Berard and his companions, the first Franciscan martyrs of Morocco, on their way to final resting place and was moved to join the Franciscans. Anthony desired to take a more active role in the evangelization of the world and wanted especially to preach to the Moors, and the Franciscans offered him this opportunity. However before he could depart he fell ill and was forced to remain in Italy for the winter and spent the time to recover his health in prayer and reading the Scriptures. He was sailing to Portugal the following spring when his ship was wrecked off Sicily and he stayed there, in Messina, to once again recover his health.
While in Sicily The Franciscan Order called a general chapter in Assisi and Anthony traveled there to take part. He requested to be placed in a life of solitude and penance to better live Franciscan spirituality, and was sent to the hermitage of Montepaolo as a priest was needed there. Up to this point Anthony was unknown and in his modesty, did not assert his gifts and learning. This changed during his stay at Montepaolo (from the Catholic Encyclopedia:)
"While Anthony lived retired at Montepaolo it happened, one day, that a number of Franciscan and Dominican friars were sent together to Forli for ordination. Anthony was also present, but simply as companion of his Provincial. When the time for ordination had arrived, it was found that no one had been appointed to preach. The superior turned first to the Dominicans (the Order of Preachers), and asked that one of their number should address a few words to the assembled brethren; but everyone declined, saying he was not prepared. In their emergency they then chose Anthony, whom they thought only able to read the Missal and Breviary, and commanded him to speak whatever the spirit of God might put into his mouth. Anthony, compelled by obedience, spoke at first slowly and timidly, but soon enkindled with fervour, he began to explain the most hidden sense of Holy Scripture with such profound erudition and sublime doctrine that all were struck with astonishment. With that moment began Anthony's public career."
At this point Anthony came to the attention of St. Francis himself, and the founder of the Order asked him to go out and teach in a letter reading:
To Brother Anthony, my bishop (i.e. teacher of sacred sciences), Brother Francis sends his greetings. It is my pleasure that thou teach theology to the brethren, provided, however, that as the Rule prescribes, the spirit of prayer and devotion may not be extinguished. Farewell.
Anthony was asked by his order to go out and teach heretics living in France and Italy. Anthony applied his formidable talents as a preacher and the knowledge of God he gained during his previous studies to convert many heretics. He preached against the Cathari and the Patarines in Italy and probably against the Albigensians in France. Anthony has been granted the title "Hammer of Heretics". In addition to his gifts as a preacher, he was also gifted by God with prophecy and miracle working, a few of which were:
Anthony is often depicted holding the Child Jesus. He was staying in a convent one night and a brother who lived there heard odd noises coming from Anthony's room. Upon investigating through a crack in the door he saw the infant Jesus with St. Anthony, in his arms.
Anthony gained such renown for his wisdom and knowledge that he was asked to teach theology to his fellow Franciscans, something no Franciscan had ever done before. His sermons were renowned for their instruction and gentleness and he came to be knows as the "Evangelical Doctor". St. Anthony died at Padua in 1231 and is recognized as the patron saint of barren women, lost articles, harvests, the poor, and Portugal.