Born to a noble family during the Crusades, Anthony was inspired to follow a religious vocation. His studies were extensive and intense, and as a young man, he joined the Friars Minor with the hopes of being a martyr in the Holy Land. A winter-long sickness trapped him in Sicily, and he discovered his preaching ability soon after. Through a seeming hail of miracles, he spent the rest of his life in preaching, challenging the vices of the age, and eliciting conversions from surprising people. When he died, his tongue was discovered incorrupt, a testimony to the clarity and praise of God he brought to the world. He continues to shower miracles today.