Chapel of Saint Anthony of Padua - Woubrechtegem

This corner house with Nieuwstraat has a facade chapel, marked by a Calvary from the 19th to the 20th century.

The original crucifix has been replaced by a statue of Saint Anthony of Padua with child. He is one of the most popular saints in the Catholic world, next to Mary.

Saint Anthony of Padua (1195–1231) is one of the most beloved and well-known saints in the Catholic tradition. He was a Franciscan , born in Lisbon, Portugal and died in Padua, Italy . He was known as a brilliant and fiery preacher , who was able to move large crowds with his simplicity and wit. His sermons were so powerful that, according to tradition, he even addressed fish and animals when people did not want to listen.

He is especially invoked to find lost objects . “Saint Anthony, dear friend, help me find [the object] again!”
This devotion arose from a legend in which a prayer book was stolen from him and miraculously returned after his prayer.

In churches and chapels you often see bread baskets or piggy banks in his honor, as a sign of help to the poor: the so-called "bread of Saint Anthony" .

Saint Anthony of Padua is often depicted holding the infant Jesus in his arms —an image that stems from a mystical experience he is said to have had: According to a medieval legend, the infant Jesus appeared to Anthony in a vision. While staying with a benefactor in Italy, Anthony was praying in his room. The man happened to look out the window and saw Anthony in ecstasy holding the infant Jesus in his arms , praying, and talking to him.

Willem Vandenameele