Anthony should be the patron saint of those who find their lives completely uprooted and who are searching in new and unexpected direction. He turned his life completely over to God and the Gospel call to leave everything and follow Christ. This was the rule of his life.

He was the first friar to teach theology to other friars. He had a profound knowledge of Scripture and Theology which he used to convert and reassure those who had been misled or gone astray. He has many admirers today. There is huge popular devotion to him as he is nominated as finder of lost objects. This came about through his own life, losing himself totally to the providence of God.