Saint Anthony was born in Portugal. He originally joined the Augustinian order but became a Franciscan when he was 26 because of the death of 5 Franciscan protomartyrs in Morocco, North Africa. Anthony wished to be a martyr just like 5 Franciscans. He is called the "Hammer of Heretics" because of his simple and miraculous manner of teaching the Catholic faith. The secret to his success was simply to repeat the "Holy Name of Mary" when speaking to heretics.

Once he found he was preaching to heretics who would not listen. Saint Anthony had a mule who had been starved for three days bow before the Blessed Sacrament, although food was also placed near him. Saint Anthony was miraculously visited by the Infant Jesus, and is commonly referred to today as the "finder of lost articles." His tongue is incorrupt, and is displayed at the Vatican. He died at 36.