Why is Saint Anthony known as a “saint matchmaker”?

Three saints are honored at the June festivities: Saint John🇧🇷 Saint Peter and san antonio🇧🇷 The latter is one of the most popular religious figures in Brazil, due to an interesting characteristic. According to tradition, he is the “saint matchmaker”, who, according to belief, helps bring people together based on sympathies and a very present devotion. But do you know why he gained this fame? We explain to you.

To begin with, Santo Antônio (or Santo Antônio de Pádua) was actually born with the name Fernando. He was baptized in the city of Lisbon, Portugal, on the 15th of August sometime between 1191 and 1195. Years later, he became a Franciscan and preached in Portugal, Italy and France. He died on June 13, 1231 – date that gave rise to Saint Anthony’s Day.

Around the world, he is considered the patron saint of many professions and things: fishermen, pregnant women, sailors, travelers, farmers, the elderly… But here in Brazil, his fame is really related to weddings.

The origin of all this superstition comes from some popular legends. One of them says that a girl really wanted to get married, but she didn’t have a dowry to offer – that is, material goods to give to the groom’s family. This sexist practice is still common in some parts of the world.

Desperate to arrange these “donations”, since a woman who did not marry was seen as inadequate at the time, the woman knelt at the feet of an image of Saint Anthony and dictated words of supplication with great faith. A short time later, gold coins suddenly appeared in her eyes and she was then able to get married.

Another legend tells of another woman, also devout, who couldn’t stand being single for so long. In a moment of rage, she grabbed the saint and threw him out the window. The image ended up hitting a man in the street. The girl went to help him, apologized and soon they started a conversation that later turned into love and they got married.

There are several versions similar to these stories, so it is not known for sure which story is directly associated with the fame of “matchmaker” of Santo Antônio. But what is known is that the image of Saint Anthony and the “fulfillment” of wishes about weddings are always related to faith.

Currently, it is common for men and women to perform spells to attract lasting love. Therefore, Saint Anthony is a very strong figure when talking about love.

And you, are you going to make a request to the “saint matchmaker” this year?