In some places, the feast of St. Anthony of Padua is celebrated with loaves of bread especially blessed for the occasion, and distributed among the faithful. This pious practice originated from two different events, centuries apart.

The first dates back to the year 1263, about 30 years after the saint’s death.

A basilica dedicated to him was under construction in Padua. Nearby, a stricken mother found her child dead from drowning. She prayed with all her heart to St. Anthony to restore her little one. With this urgent request came a promise that she would give to the poor as much grain as equaled the weight of the child. The woman’s faith was miraculously rewarded. The little one returned to life, and the overjoyed mother kept her promise.

While this beautiful miracle left a powerful impression, it was many centuries before the baking and blessing of "St. Anthony’s Bread" became a common practice.

Toward the end of the 19th century, a French woman named Louise Bouffier found herself locked out of her own shop. The locksmith who tried to help her was unable to open her door. The only way to get in would be by force. Louise hesitated take such a damaging move, and instead had recourse to St. Anthony. She promised that if he helped her, she’d give loaves of bread to the poor.

Lo and behold, the door opened without any trouble, and the relieved shopkeeper kept up her end of the bargain.

When her friends learned of this incident, they followed her example. They prayed for, and obtained, their own favors from the generous St. Anthony. In their gratitude, they too gave freely to the poor, making Louise’s shop a center of almsgiving.

The charity of Louise Bouffier and her friends inspired the "St. Anthony’s Bread" we know today. It is a fitting tribute to the generosity of St. Anthony, whose intercession aided not only those women but, by his miracles, obtained alms and gifts for the poor and faithful.