St. Anthony: The Wonder-Worker of Padua

A beautifully written book about one of our most loved Saints. Prayerful and descriptive. A joy to read. All praise and glory to St.. Anthony.

It's a lot of reading and lots of insight and understanding faith and his love for God and how his miracles became says today.

Most little Saint Anthony books are nice, but are just prayers or meditations. This little gem actually tells about incidences that happened in Anthony’s life, before he became a saint. I liked it and refer to it often. Besides, I am a Saint Anthony ‘fan’, so had to get this.

The Author not only did his homework on St. Anthony but no doubt had a history degree to know the political at abilities and state of the Church, Europe, and even the noble status Saint Anthony was born into in those Days. "Before Saint Anthony would preach. He'd pray. Lord, Turn My Tounge to your sword" 200 years later the opened his casket to move his body to a better Church. They opened the casket to find dust and bone particles. But a moist pink human tounge in perfect condition. ...the church touched cloths to it which laymen catholics still on privately today. ALSO reading this does not feel like a lecture on a history lesson. Rather a narrative look back in time not just to the accomplishments of the man but his character which is not speculated or exaggerated by the Author. But comes from reliable recources and confirmed accounts. "When Saint Anthony would walk out the Monastery doors to preach. The younger members of his order had to hold the crowd back. Especially the women with knives and scissors with no intention to hurt Anthony but to rip off part of his cloak to sell as a relic...He was not even canonized a Saint Yet". "And when he told the crowds what they didn't want to hear and called him a blasphemer. He said he would preach to those more worthy of God's word and walked up to a pond. The curious crowd fallowed him and saw the fish raise their heads above the water listening to him preach and he repented." "He was also found preaching to the flowers in the garden when there were no crowds or work to do." These quotes are the most minor of his admirations. I am not giving away the book.

Not knowing much about St. Anthony except his fame for finding lost articles. I wanted to know more. I put the Book on my Kindle, read it and it left me wanting more. I would have appreciated the inclusion of some of his his sermons and writings since I learned he is a Doctor if the Church. I would recommend the book.

For those who want a brief introduction to St. Anthony of Padua, this is the book to read! It is a quick, easy read. Keeps the reader engaged. I would recommend it!

Anthony of Padua is probably the world's most popular Catholic saint. It is unfortunate, though, that his popularity is a shallow and superficial one. He is mostly known for finding lost objects and that's it. It's a good thing that hagiographies such as this exist to show the world that he is so much more. Note that I used the word "hagiography" as opposed to biography. A biography tries to tell the story of a person in terms of the details of his life, with the purpose of telling historical details. A hagiography tells the story of a saint with the purpose of inspiring faith in readers. Charles Warren Stoddard wrote a hagiography. Don't expect this book to be like biographies where events are arranged by chronological order. Stoddard arranges chapters by topic, focusing on specific aspects of the saint's life. You will see chapters concentrating on Anthony's preaching, another on his miracles, another on his contemplative prayer life, and so on. That being said, the text does what it is supposed to - it captures the imagination and inspires devotion. I heartily recommend this book to anyone who wants to know a little more about Saint Anthony.

How refreshing to learn the TRUE story of Saint Anthony! I have loved the St. Anthony movie - but through the book learned so much more about this truly amazing saint. The movie implies that he had a love that he had to walk away from, but the truth is that he never had any such relationships. This young man was always, from his earliest days, focused on the Almighty. He worked such amazing miracles, that it's truly astonishing that he is (by and large) know for "finding lost objects." While it is true that he will happily help you find things...there is soooo much more to this remarkable saint!! Please read this, and have you children read it! It's a quick and joyful read...you will be so happy to come to know the REAL St. Anthony!