I'm excited to introduce you to today's WYD Rio patron. He is a remarkable figure, known as a bringer of Christ's peace and love. Meet:

 Saint Anthony from Santana Galvão

Fr. Anthony from Santana Galvão, is the first Brazilian-born saint. Anthony was born in Guaratinguetá, São Paulo in 1739 to a deeply religious family of high social standing. Both of his parents were known for their great generosity. At the age of 21, Anthony renounced everything and entered into the Franciscan order. In São Paulo, he served as preacher, confessor and porter. Within a few years he was appointed confessor to the Recollects of St. Teresa, a group of nuns in that city, and shortly after he founded Our Lady of the Conception of Divine Providence on 2 February 1774. A herald of peace and love in word and deed, there are many miracles attributed to his intercession while he was still alive. A man of intense prayer Saint Anthony was known for the gift of healing, in a time when there were scarce medical resources.

St Anthony was beatified in Rome on October 25, 1998, and canonized by Pope Benedict XVI on May 11 during an apostolic visit to Brazil in 2007. During his canonization ceremony, which lasted over two hours in the Campo de Marte Military Airport, near downtown São Paulo it is said crowds of 800,000 gathered to participate in the ceremony. His feast day is celebrated on May 11.

Saint Anthony from Santana Galvão, herald of peace and love, pray for us!

To find out more about this year's World Youth Day, visit wydcentral.org Image courtesy of rio2013.com