Saint Anthony of Padua and 613

St. Anthony of Padua and 613

One of the many titles given to Saint Anthony of Padua is "Ark of the Testament." This is because of his great knowledge of Scripture, and the ability to translate that knowledge to others through preaching. Indeed, he was considered to be St. Francis' preacher.

Another title given to St. Anthony is "Hammer of Heretics," because of his ability to preach in a way that would convince even the most hardened of heretics and apostates to return to the Truth. This is the True basis for his title as Patron of Travelers and the Finder of Lost Articles, as evidenced in his ability to "find" souls that had gotten lost in their lifetime journey toward Heaven, and show them the way through his preaching.

It is so irritating that so many people ask his intercession only when they are trying to find their pen, or find their way to Rivercenter Mall.
NOTE:For a more mature approach to seeking his intercession, click HERE

Saint Anthony is also considered to be the Patron of Devotion to The Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. Indeed, the most common portrayal of St. Anthony is with him holding a Bible (the Testament and Law), with a two-year-old Jesus---THE Testament and Law Incarnate--standing on the Bible.

According to the Jewish Talmud, there are considered to be 613 Laws or Commandments (as derived from the Decalogue spoken by God to Moses and then given to the people at Mt. Sinai) in the Torah [ie, first five (5) books of the Old Testament].

NOTE: For some additional "Light" concerning this, click here.

What is interesting is that the Feast day for St. Anthony is June 13, or, put another way, 613, which is the same number as the number of Laws in the Testament that he was so effective in using in order to teach the people about the Testament Incarnate in the Eucharist. Is this just coincidence, or is this a Divinely-wrought profundity?

Fatima, St. Anthony, and June 13^th
The second appearance that Mary made to the three shepherd children at Fatima (whose parish Church was named for St. Anthony) occurred on June 13, 1917, the Feast Day of the Saint. During that visit, Mary told Lucia, among other things, that she wanted her to learn to read. In order to read WHAT?? The Scriptures, perhaps?? Consider that this request was made on the June 13^th (ie, 613) , the Feast Day of St. Anthony, "Ark of the Testament" (which, according to the Talmud, contains 613 Laws). And, this request was made by Mary, the living Ark of THE Living Testament. Just something extra to think about.

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