Saint Antonio of Saint Anne

Biography

Saint Antonio of Saint Anne, also known as Antonio Galvao de Franca or Frei Galvao, was born in 1739 in the "Freguezia" of Santo Antonio da Vila de Guarantingueta, Brazil. He was born into a deeply religious family of high social status, who instilled in him a strong spiritual foundation from an early age. At the age of 13, Antonio began his studies at the Jesuit seminary in Belém. However, due to anti-Jesuit sentiment in the region, his family decided to move him to the Alcantarine Franciscans. This marked the beginning of his journey in the Franciscan Order. Antonio became a novice at the Saint Bonaventure friary in Macacu, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on 15 April 1760. After a year, he made his final vows in the Order of Discalced Friars Minor in 1761. Antonio was ordained a priest on 11 June 1762 and began his ministry as a preacher, porter, and confessor to the local laity. In 1769, Antonio was appointed as the confessor to the Recollects of Saint Teresa in Sao Paulo, Brazil. It was during his time there that he met Sister Helena Maria of the Holy Spirit. Sister Helena claimed to have visions in which Jesus asked her to establish a new religious foundation. Moved by her spiritual experiences, Antonio and Sister Helena founded Our Lady of the Conception of Divine Providence on 2 February 1774. This new religious community was modeled after the Conceptionists and served as a home for young women who desired to live a religious life without taking formal vows. Tragically, Sister Helena passed away in 1775, leaving Antonio to lead the newly established Recollects. He not only oversaw their spiritual development but also supervised the construction of housing for the growing number of sisters. Antonio also composed a Rule for the community, providing guidance for their religious life. Throughout his life, Antonio held various leadership positions within the Franciscan Order. He served as the novice master in Macacu in 1781 and became the guardian of Saint Francis Friary in Sao Paulo in 1798. In 1802, he was chosen as a definitor, and in 1808, he was appointed as the visitator general and president of the Chapter. However, due to failing health and the extensive travel requirements of these positions, Antonio was forced to resign. In 1811, Antonio founded the Saint Clare friary in Sorocaba, Sao Paulo, further contributing to the expansion of the Franciscan presence in Brazil. Over the years, he became widely recognized for his holiness and the miracles attributed to his intercession. Saint Antonio of Saint Anne died on 23 December 1822, at the Recolhimento da Luz in Sao Paulo, Brazil, due to natural causes. His tomb at the Recolhimento da Luz church became a place of pilgrimage for many seeking his intercession. In recognition of his heroic virtues, Pope John Paul II declared him venerable on 8 March 1997. On 25 October 1998, Pope John Paul II beatified Antonio Galvao de Franca in Rome, Italy. Finally, on 11 May 2007, Pope Benedict XVI elevated him to sainthood, canonizing him as Saint Antonio of Saint Anne. Today, Saint Antonio of Saint Anne is venerated as a beloved saint and holds a special place in the hearts of many. He is particularly revered as the patron saint of World Youth Day 2013, inspiring and guiding young Catholics around the world.