Daily Catholic Lectio
Fri, 13 June 2025
Saint Anthony of Padua – Memorial
Isaiah 61:1–3. Luke 10:1–9
A Model of Discipleship
“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me.” (Isaiah 61:1)
Today we commemorate Saint Anthony of Padua, fondly called the “Wonder-worker of Love” and the “Protector of the Poor.” Born in 1195 in Lisbon, Portugal, he initially joined the Augustinian Order, but was later drawn by the missionary zeal of the Franciscans and joined their community. His dream to evangelize in Morocco was cut short by illness, and he was sent back to Portugal. However, the ship he was on was diverted to Italy, where he remained and ministered until his death in 1231 at the age of 36. In less than a year, he was canonized by Pope Gregory IX, and he remains a shining model of true discipleship.
1. Total Surrender to God’s Will
Though he set out for Morocco to fulfil his missionary desire, illness forced him to return. Yet, when the ship rerouted and landed in Italy, he accepted it not as a setback but as divine redirection. Saint Anthony surrendered his plans to the will of God and found his mission not in his preference, but in divine providence.
2. Trust in God
Throughout all his pursuits—academic, pastoral, theological, and charitable—Anthony remained rooted in God. He stepped beyond the safety of familiarity into a life of trust. Iconographically, he is often portrayed holding the Christ Child, a sign of his intimacy with Jesus. Even when his gifts of learning and preaching were initially unrecognized by his peers, he remained humble and patient.
3. Living the Present Moment
For Saint Anthony, today was always the moment of salvation. Just as the angels at Christ’s birth said, “Today a Saviour has been born for you,” and Jesus declared in Zacchaeus’ home, “Today salvation has come to this house,” Anthony lived each moment with fervent readiness to act. He used his brief life to the fullest—through tireless preaching, writing, prayer, and service to the poor.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus sends out seventy-two disciples in pairs. All who are called are also sent. And all who are sent must be filled with the Spirit of the Lord.
Each of us has been graced with the gift of life and sent into the world by God. The awareness that we are all disciples shapes the way we live, work, and relate to others. Like Saint Anthony, we are called to embrace God’s mission with courage, trust, and love.
Fr Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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