Born in Lisbon, Portugal, in 1195, Saint Anthony of Padua was initially named Fernando Martins de Bulhões. He joined the Augustinian Order at a young age but later moved to the Franciscan Order, inspired by the martyrdom of five Franciscan friars in Morocco. Known for his profound knowledge of scripture and his powerful preaching, Saint Anthony traveled extensively, spreading the teachings of Christ. His sermons were so compelling that they drew large crowds, and he became known as a miracle worker. Saint Anthony passed away in 1231 and was canonized less than a year later. His feast day is celebrated on June 13th.

Ecce Crucem Domini: The Powerful Prayer of St. Anthony

Tradition holds that St. Anthony provided this prayer to a poor woman seeking help against the devil’s temptations. Pope Sixtus V, a Franciscan, later engraved this prayer, known as the “Motto of St. Anthony,” at the base of the obelisk he erected in St. Peter’s Square in Rome. Here is the prayer in its original Latin:

Ecce Crucem Domini!
Fugite partes adversae!
Vicit Leo de tribu Juda,
Radix David! Alleluia!

Translation:

Behold the Cross of the Lord!
Be gone all evil powers!
The Lion of the tribe of Judah,
The root of David has conquered! Alleluia!

This brief prayer acts as a small exorcism. We can use it ourselves, in either Latin or English, to help resist temptations.

Saint Anthony was born in Lisbon, Portugal, into a noble family, originally named Fernando Martins de Bulhões.

Inspired by the martyrdom of Franciscan friars in Morocco, Anthony joined the Franciscan Order, adopting the name Anthony in honor of Saint Anthony the Great.

Anthony delivered his first public sermon in Forlì, Italy, which revealed his profound knowledge of scripture and his eloquent speaking skills.

Saint Anthony passed away in Padua, Italy, and was canonized by Pope Gregory IX less than a year later, in 1232, due to the numerous miracles attributed to him.