"He left his homeland and set out on a journey, a symbol of his own spiritual journey of conversion," Pope Francis said. "At first he went to Morocco, determined to live the Gospel courageously in the footsteps of the martyred Franciscan martyrs, then he landed in Sicily following the shipwreck on the coasts of Italy, as happens today to many of our brothers and sisters."
"From the land of Sicily, God's providential plan pushed him to meet the figure of St. Francis of Assisi on the roads of Italy and France," the pope added.
Despite his poor health, Anthony resolved to stay in Italy in order to be closer to St. Francis himself. He concealed his deep knowledge of theology and Scripture, and offered to serve in the kitchen among the Franciscan brothers.
When Anthony delivered an improvised speech before an assembly of Dominicans and Franciscans, his eloquence stunned the crowd, and St. Francis himself soon learned what kind of man the dishwashing priest really was.
In 1224 Francis gave Anthony permission to teach theology in the Franciscan order. Anthony taught theology in several French and Italian cities, while strictly following his Franciscan vows and preaching regularly to the people.
Later, he dedicated himself entirely to the work of preaching as a missionary in France, Italy and Spain, teaching an authentic love for God to many people -- whether peasants or princes -- who had fallen away from Catholic faith and morality.
Known for his bold preaching and austere lifestyle, Anthony also had a reputation as a worker of miracles, which often came about in the course of his disputes with heretics.
St. Anthony died in a Franciscan monastery in Padua at the age of 36 on June 13, 1231. Pope Gregory IX canonized him a year after his death.
The feast of St. Anthony is celebrated June 13 with much festivity each year in Italy and in his native Portugal.
"I hope that this significant anniversary will arouse, especially in Franciscan religious and devotees of St. Anthony scattered all over the world, the desire to experience the same holy concern that led him on the roads of the world to testify, with word and deeds, to the love of God," Pope Francis said.
Courtney Mares is a Rome Correspondent for Catholic News Agency. A graduate of Harvard University, she has reported from news bureaus on three continents and was awarded the Gardner Fellowship for her work with North Korean refugees.