The Diocese of Winona-Rochester on Monday celebrated St. Anthony, patron saint of lost and stolen items.

“Today we celebrate the Feast of St. Anthony of Padua,” the diocese posted on Facebook. “‘Actions speak louder than words; let your words teach and your actions speak.’”

At the end of the 12th century, St. Anthony of Padua was born in Portugal to wealthy, religious parents, Britannica said. He became a Franciscan friar when he was approximately 25. He was on his way to Morocco to preach to the Saracens, but he fell ill on the way and was directed to return home. On the way back to Portugal, his ship home was blown off course. Anthony ended up in Sicily, where he began to teach theology. He passed away in 1231 and was canonized in 1232. 

Seven centuries later, Pope Pius XII declared Anthony a Doctor of the Church. 

St. Anthony usually receives prayers from a person who is searching for items that have been lost of stolen, StAnthony.org said. Paintings and sculptures often show Anthony holding a book, a lily or a young Jesus in his arms. 

A pope can bestow the title of “Doctor of the Church” upon a person who has made significant and lasting contributions to the Church, Crossroads Initiative said. It lists the three conditions one must meet to be considered for the title: “(1) holiness that is truly outstanding, even among saints; (2) depth of doctrinal insight; and (3) an extensive body of writings which the church can recommend as an expression of the authentic and life-giving Catholic Tradition.” 

Only 37 people have ever been granted the title.