St Anthony of Padua

St Anthony was born at Lisbon, Portugal, in 1195. He felt called to follow Christ in a special way and joined the Augustinians Order in 1210. In 1220, however, having seen conveyed into the Church of Santa Croce the bodies of the first Franciscan martyrs, who had suffered death in Morocco the same year, he too was inflamed with the desire for martyrdom, and resolved to become a Friar Minor, that he might preach the Faith to the Muslims and suffer for Christ’s sake. However, after setting out, he became seriously ill and had to return home to Portugal. He travelled to Italy and participated in a provincial assembly. There was no one to preach among the older members and in 1224, he even received a letter from St Francis giving him his blessing to preach the word. He became a very effective preacher and teacher. He never forgot his earlier African experience and became an advocate of the poor and their needs, both spiritually and materially.

St. Anthony's Novena

Every year from 5th June to 13th June (Feast of St. Anthony) Masses are offered daily in our houses in UK for the special intentions of our benefactors.

Intentions sent in by benefactors are placed before the statue of St. Anthony in our chapel. Benefactors may choose to include a donation at the same time. All are gratefully received. However, with or without donations, we join our prayers to those of St. Anthony for your intentions at the Masses during the Novena.

St. Anthony’s Burse

In addition there is also St. Anthony's Burse, for the education of future Missionaries of Africa. By contributing to this you will be helping to spread the Good News of the Gospel in Africa. The Bursary Fund is open to donations of all kinds, large or small.

There are several easy ways to contribute to St. Anthony's Burse:

1. Donate Online

2. Cheque or Postal Order

Please make cheques and postal orders payable to: ‘The White Fathers.’

You can also download our Gift Aid form here.

Please send completed cheques, postal orders and gift aid forms to the following address:

The Superior
Missionaries of Africa
15 Corfton Road
London
W5 2HP

THANK YOU!

Every letter or donation receives a personal acknowledgement.

If you have any questions, please contact us.