Luke happened to hear St. Anthony of Padua preach. Afterwards, he approached him asking if he could become a Franciscan. St. Anthony recommended him to St. Francis. St. Luke became St. Anthony’s assistant while preaching and traveled with him. During St. Anthony’s dying days, Bl. Luke was at his side. After St. Anthony’s death, Bl. Luke was elected to take his place.
When a violent regime took control of Padua, Bl. Luke was exiled. He soon returned secretly. While he and another Franciscan were praying at the tomb of St. Anthony, they heard a voice which reassured them that their prayers for Padua would soon be answered. It was not long before Padua was liberated.
St. Anthony’s body is enshrined at the Basilica which was finished under the supervision of Bl. Luke. He became known as a miracle worker. Bl. Luke died of natural causes in 1285.
