This week in Christian history: St. Patrick dies, Princeton rescinds prize for Tim Keller

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Sunday, March 17, 2024

Anthony of Padua preaches first sermon – March 19, 1222

Anthony of Padua (1195-1231), a saint and doctor of the Roman Catholic Church known for his preaching. | Public Domain

This week marks the anniversary of when Anthony of Padua, a Franciscan monk and Medieval saint known for his charismatic preaching, delivered his first of many sermons.

Anthony was attending an ordination ceremony when the planned speaker was unable to make the event. Anthony’s superior in the Franciscan order asked him to preach the homily.

“He did so with astounding fervor and eloquence before his fellow Franciscans and the bishop,” wrote Father Michael Van Sloun in a piece published by The Catholic Spirit.

“With his spiritual gifts revealed, his quiet private days abruptly came to an end. [St. Francis of Assisi] appointed Anthony as theology instructor for his fellow Franciscans, and Francis and Anthony became close friends.”

Van Sloun also noted that “Anthony traveled extensively throughout Italy and southern France, and as his fame spread, the crowds increased.”

“When he would arrive at a town, the shops would close and people would gather quickly, sometimes as many as ten, twenty, or even thirty thousand,” he added.