St Anthony Bread

The devotion to St. Anthony known as St. Anthony's Bread goes back to the 13th century. It has been a source of many miracles, favors and graces and has, of course, been of great help to the poor and the needy.

According to legend, a child of Padua fell into a barrel of water and drowned. In her grief the mother called on St. Anthony for help, and promised she would donate the child's weight in grain for the poor if she were restored to life.

While the mother was still praying, the child arose as if from sleep. This miracle gave rise to the practice of giving alms to the poor as a petition for favors received through St. Anthony's intercession.

Another miracle is associated with St Anthony Bread becuase of a girl named Louise Bouffier at Toulon in France in the 19th century. She promised loaves of bread for the poor in exchange for St. Anthony's help. Her shop soon later became a center of devotion to the Saint; the alms of those whose favors were heard were given to the numerous poor families of the city.

Franciscans have perpetuated this custom for many years. It is a laudable sacrifice to Christ and thanksgiving to St. Anthony.