Anthony: Words of Fire, Life of Light: Author, Madeline Pecora Nugent. Pauline Books, 1995. The story of St. Anthony of Padua as told through the eyes of those who knew him. 95% of what the saint says in this biographical novel are his own words, taken from his sermons. Chapter notes tell what is fact and what is imagination.

Now also available in Polish. Please see below for ordering information.

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Looking for inspiring, spiritual reading that's deep in message but easy to understand?

Anthony:  Words of Fire, Life of Light is an excellent choice.  Now going into its fourth printing, this book invigorates the faith of those who read it.  And why not?  St. Anthony was the "Father Benedict Groeschel "(to whom the book is dedicated) of his time. 

The thirty chapters of the book are as readable as a story can be, so that one chapter can be read daily, if the reader can hold himself to that discipline.  Since the book is written like a novel, the reader more often finds himself wanting to move along, to see what happens next, to experience more of the saint as seen by those who knew him.

Because the book uses the actual words of the saint, when he gives counsel or is preaching, the reader delves into the rich, vibrant faith of this holy man of God.  How understandable that prostitutes, thieves, and rich and poor alike flocked to hear his words, to pour out to him their hearts, and to be received back into the flock of Christ!

In this book, the reader comes to experience St. Anthony through the stories of religious friars and sisters, sinners and saints, fishermen and saddle makers, heretics and housewives.  If you want to increase your love and understanding of God and neighbor, St. Anthony will assist you.  We highly recommend this book.  It has rapidly become a favorite of all who read it.   This 2005 edition contains a bonus section of twenty-four color plates of artwork, from medieval to modern, of Saint Anthony as well as maps of Spain, Portugal, Italy, and France which will help the reader envision the saint's travels and adventures.

I greet you with affection from across the ocean! I am a Franciscan sister from Bucharest, Romania, who has read your beautiful book on St. Anthony (Words of Fire, Life of Light). He has always been a dear friend, a true inspiration in my life, and a powerful protector in my vocation (he is also my namesake.) It is a pity there is not more in the way of literature written about him and his life; as such, coming across your book was a real treat, a true pleasure. I wish to congratulate you for the depth with which you sought to understand and portray his character, his personality, his faith. It would be wonderful if this book was available to more people, in other languages and countries. -- Sr. Maria Antonia

I have read and enjoyed your book about St. Anthony. I particularly enjoyed the way you wove fact and fiction in order to make the book read almost like a novel. God bless you. --Edward Horn

Thank you for writing the St. Anthony book. I have found great significance in it--it goes back a long time for me. You don't know what you have done, but it is very good!!! Love, R.A.P.

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Polish translation: Suggested donation: $16.95 (note that Polish translation does not contain artwork)

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To learn about a disciplined, Catholic, joyful Rule of Life that can help you draw closer to God while living in your own home, consult the Home Page of the Confraternity of Penitents, linked to in the top link box.

Thank you and God bless!