PART I
MIRACLES WORKED DURING THE LIFE OF ST. ANTHONY
Discover the wonders attributed to St. Anthony of Padua, a beloved saint known for his miraculous intercessions. Countless individuals have shared stories of experiencing divine interventions and answered prayers through his powerful intercession. From finding lost items to physical healings, St. Anthony continues to inspire faith and hope in the hearts of believers around the world.
The miracles associated with St. Anthony of Padua serve as a testament to his compassion and willingness to help those in need. Many have turned to him in times of desperation and have been amazed by the unexpected blessings that followed. Whether it is a financial difficulty, a health crisis, or a relationship issue, St. Anthony is believed to be a source of comfort and assistance for all who seek his aid.
As you delve into the stories of the miracles of St. Anthony of Padua, you will be captivated by the profound impact he has had on the lives of countless individuals throughout history. His reputation as a miracle worker and a patron saint of lost causes continues to attract devoted followers who turn to him in times of trouble. Allow yourself to be inspired by the extraordinary acts of grace and mercy attributed to St. Anthony, and open your heart to the possibility of experiencing his miraculous touch in your own life.
1. The Miracle of Tongues
St. Anthony of Padua is one of the most well-known saints in the Church. He possessed remarkable natural talents, good health, a powerful voice, and great eloquence. Additionally, he had an excellent delivery and a deep understanding of the Scriptures and theology. Shortly after becoming ordained, he was sent to preach in France, Italy, and Portugal. Despite not knowing Portuguese in his youth, he miraculously gained the ability to speak the language, just like the apostles did after Pentecost. This gift of tongues allowed him to preach with eloquence in French and Italian, and to be understood by people from all over the world.
When instructed by the Holy See to deliver the Lenten sermons in Rome, he spoke in a way that was easily understood by the vast crowd from different countries who had gathered due to his reputation for holiness and extraordinary talents.
This ability to communicate effectively was a common occurrence throughout his time as a missionary.
2. Dumb Animals Obey the Saint
Near the monastery of the Friars Minor in Montpellier, there was a large pool filled with frogs. The constant noise of their croaking greatly disturbed the saint and his community. Tired of the never-ending noise, he decided to put an end to it. He went to the pond, blessed it, and commanded the frogs to stop croaking. Immediately, the croaking ceased, and the pond was thereafter known as St. Anthony's Pond.
Interestingly, if a frog from this pond was placed in another pond, it would regain its ability to croak. On the other hand, if a foreign frog was placed in St. Anthony's Pond, it would lose its ability to croak.
3. The Sermon to the Fishes at Rimini
During the 11th and 12th centuries, Europe faced many challenges due to different heresies, particularly the Albigenses, which were prevalent in the southern part of France and the northern part of Italy.
To protect His Church, God raised up two remarkable individuals, St. Francis and St. Dominic, along with their followers, to come to its aid.
St. Anthony of Padua, known for his holiness and knowledge, was selected by his superiors to be among the first to confront this issue. Despite the efforts of the Holy See and the saintly bishop of Rimini in Romagna, the city remained a breeding ground for heresy. It was here that St. Anthony embarked on his challenging mission of conversion.
Upon learning that St. Anthony would be their opponent, the heretics were filled with fear. However, driven by the devil, they resolved to confront him at any cost.
Upon his arrival, the saint was met with an unwelcoming reception. The church where he was supposed to start his work was nearly empty, with only a handful of elderly individuals present. However, his desire to spread God's glory and save souls was so strong that he did not hesitate for a moment. He confidently ascended the pulpit and delivered a sermon filled with passion and zeal. The heretics, upon hearing about his powerful preaching, became determined to eliminate this formidable opponent.
Upon learning of their malicious intentions, the saint retreated to a secluded part of the city. There, he dedicated himself to prayer, fasting, and penance, preparing for the upcoming confrontation. He fervently implored God's mercy upon the misguided people he sought to enlighten.
Nevertheless, his enemies remained vigilant and followed him as he left his hiding place. They trailed him to the spot where the river Marecchia meets the Adriatic Sea. It was at this moment that the saint halted and, in a commanding voice, summoned the fish from both the sea and the river to emerge and listen to the word of God. He called upon them to shame the men who, blinded by their ignorance and hardened hearts, refused to hear the divine message. Almost immediately, a remarkable spectacle unfolded before their eyes. Countless fish of various sizes and species swam to the surface, arranging themselves in perfect order. The saint then delivered an extraordinary sermon, addressing the fish as if they possessed reason and understanding.
The deep-sea creatures were filled with awe and wonder, hanging onto every word spoken by the saint. Their numbers multiplied as they expressed their approval by nodding their heads and opening their mouths in amazement. Not a single fish dared to leave the vicinity, captivated by the saint's presence and awaiting his blessing. Only after receiving his command to return to their underwater homes did they vanish, leaving behind a lingering ripple in the water. The onlookers, deeply moved by this extraordinary spectacle, were profoundly affected. Some hurried back to the city, urging their loved ones to witness the miracle for themselves. Others were moved to tears, falling to their knees and begging for forgiveness from the saint. Only a few stubborn individuals remained steadfast in their disbelief.
St. Anthony, taking advantage of this chance, during the conclusion of the sermon, spoke to the vast crowd that had assembled, urging them to repent, reproaching them for their lack of faith and gratitude, highlighting the seriousness of sin, and demonstrating the fishes' obedience as a valuable lesson for them. As a result of this sermon, Rimini was cleansed of heresy.
4. Why St. Anthony is Invoked for Lost and Mislaid Things
The incident in St. Anthony's life that led to his invocation of lost items occurred during his time at the Franciscan monastery in Montpellier. In addition to preaching, he also taught theology to his fellow monks. One of his novices, feeling disillusioned with monastic life, left the monastery abruptly, taking a psalm book that St. Anthony had personally copied and annotated for his students. The loss of this book was a great blow to St. Anthony, as books were extremely valuable back then, with the cost of a single book being equivalent to at least a hundred dollars in today's currency. In 1240, monks at Camaldoli even paid two hundred gold ducats for an illuminated missal, showing how fortunes were sometimes spent on acquiring books.
The saint was deeply troubled by the loss of his invaluable work, but what pained him even more was the offense against God and the spiritual peril facing the culprit. With unwavering faith, he turned to prayer, humbly seeking divine mercy for the troubled youth and the return of his book. His prayer was swiftly answered. As the thief approached a bridge, a menacing figure appeared before him, wielding an axe and threatening harm unless he turned back. Frightened, the thief returned the book and begged for forgiveness, asking to rejoin the monastery. The saint, grateful to God, forgave him and warned of the devil's traps, urging him to stay true to his calling. The stolen book remains in the Franciscan monastery in Bologna to this day.
5. A Messenger from Hell Unmasked
While the saint was delivering his sermon at Puy, a sudden interruption occurred when a messenger appeared amidst the congregation. The messenger loudly announced to a lady that her son had been brutally murdered by his enemies. Anthony, who quickly identified the messenger, silenced the crowd with a simple gesture. He comforted the distraught lady by assuring her that her son was in excellent health and that she would soon be reunited with him. Furthermore, Anthony revealed that the supposed messenger was none other than the devil himself, who had only come to disrupt the sermon and undermine its impact. This revelation proved to be true, as the imposter messenger immediately vanished. Seizing this opportunity, the saintly preacher warned his listeners about the cunning tactics employed by the devil.
6. The Consoler of Mothers
While in Brives, God glorified His servant by performing many miracles. A poor woman attended the saint's sermon, leaving her child unattended. Upon her return, she discovered her child unharmed after falling into boiling water. Another time, a mother found her infant dead in the cradle after leaving him alone to hear the sermon. Distraught, she informed the saint, who assured her, "Your son lives." Returning home, she found her baby alive and well, playing with other children.
7. The Rain honors the Companion of the Saints
One day, the cook of the monastery where the saint was staying had no food to give to the brethren. He approached Anthony and explained his difficulty. Immediately, the saint sought help from a devout woman he knew, asking her to show compassion and send some cabbages for the monks. Despite the pouring rain, the woman, highly revering Anthony, instructed her servant to gather enough vegetables for the monks. The servant, astonishingly, returned to the convent completely dry, without a single drop of rain on her clothes or damp shoes. Impressed, she exclaimed to her mistress that she would gladly assist whenever Father Anthony or the other monks needed help, regardless of the weather. The lady, deeply impressed, urged her only brother, a canon at Noblet, to take care of the monks and assist them to the best of his ability. She assured him that God would generously reward him for his charitable acts.
8. An Extraordinary Prophecy
While the saint resided at his monastery in Puy, he occasionally encountered a lawyer who led a depraved and immoral life. Each time they crossed paths, the saint would respectfully uncover his head and bow to the lawyer. Assuming that the servant of God was mocking him, the lawyer eventually confronted him, threatening to harm him if it weren't for the fear of divine judgment.
In response, the saint clarified that his intention was never to insult the lawyer. Rather, his gestures were a manifestation of deep love and respect. By saluting the lawyer, he was acknowledging him as a future glorious martyr and requested that he remember him in his prayers during his eventual suffering. Initially, the lawyer laughed at this seemingly improbable prophecy. However, it astonishingly came true shortly thereafter.
A bishop embarked on a journey to Palestine to convert the Saracens and driven by a mysterious divine impulse, the lawyer followed him. Upon arrival, he was overwhelmed with an intense desire to convert the infidels. He immediately began preaching the truths of Christianity and exposing the wickedness of Mahometanism. This enraged the fanatics, leading to his capture, three days of torture, and ultimately, his martyrdom. As he faced death, he revealed to those present how Father Anthony, the saintly figure, had foretold his fate. He also proclaimed the emergence of a great prophet among them.
9. St. Anthony the Consoler of Persecuted Women
St. Anthony always had a deep concern for women who were in distress or facing persecution, and as a result, they regarded him as their special protector.
One of the individuals who held the Franciscans in high esteem due to their holiness was a woman who suffered greatly at the hands of her jealous and irritable husband. One evening, after completing some tasks and purchasing items for the Brothers, she realized it was too late to bring them to the monastery that night, so she took them home with her. This action infuriated her husband to such an extent that he not only berated her but also forcefully pulled out most of her hair. Naturally, the poor woman was deeply hurt by this treatment, but she had unwavering faith in her beloved Father Anthony. She carefully collected all her hair and wrote a letter, pleading for him to visit her the following day. Her trust in the saint was not in vain. Upon hearing her story, he immediately gathered his fellow monks and implored them to join him in praying for their generous benefactor. These prayers were answered, as before they were even completed, the woman's pain vanished, and her head was once again adorned with hair as if nothing had occurred. Witnessing this miracle not only led to the conversion of her husband but also turned him into a significant benefactor of the monastery.
10. Truth from the Lips of a Little Child
St. Anthony, during his journey through Romagna, not only visited Padua but also Polesine and Ferrara. In Ferrara, he stayed for a while and performed a miracle that was both remarkable in its circumstances and beneficial in its outcome. A nobleman in the city had married a woman of exceptional beauty and talent. Her skills, charm, and accomplishments made her a beloved figure in society, provoking jealousy and anger in her husband, leading to constant strife in their home.
The arrival of a beautiful baby boy did not bring peace to the troubled couple; instead, it fueled the husband's suspicions, pushing him to the brink of harming his wife and child. However, during St. Anthony's mission in the city, the lady sought his help, hoping for her husband's conversion. Through the prayers and intercession of the saint, a series of events unfolded that would change the course of their lives.
The unfolding events showcased the power of God's servant. One day, as the husband conversed with St. Anthony and others in the public square, the lady, guided by divine inspiration, sent the nurse and the infant for a walk. Seeing his child, the husband was consumed by jealousy, while St. Anthony, in a playful manner, asked the baby about his father. The child's unexpected response, pointing directly at his father, left everyone astonished, revealing the innocence of the mother and child and the husband's unjust suspicions.
My father is here. St. Anthony, placing the child in the arms of the now joyful parent, declared: "Take your child and never doubt again that he is your son, for he has confirmed it to you." The elated husband immediately brought him home to his mother, and from then on, peace and happiness filled their home. The word of this miracle traveled across lands, and a reminder of it can be found carved in marble in the saint's chapel in Padua.
11. Broken Goblet and Running Barrel
The Vicar-General of the Franciscan Order, Brother Elias, called for a general chapter after the death of St. Francis of Assisi. In a circular, he summoned all the superiors from different provinces to attend this important meeting and proceed with the election of the new leader. It was during the autumn of A.D. 1226 that Anthony, accompanied by one of his fellow brethren, traveled to Italy. They passed through Provence on their way and decided to take a rest in one of the towns.
During their stay, they were hosted by a kind and devout woman who wanted to show them utmost respect and hospitality. In her efforts to make them comfortable, she borrowed a beautiful cut glass goblet from her neighbor for them to drink their wine. Unfortunately, the companion of St. Anthony accidentally broke the goblet while examining it closely. This mishap was not the only one, as the hostess forgot to close the tap of the wine barrel, causing all the wine to spill out. Distressed by these incidents, the saint bowed his head in prayer, and to the astonishment of the woman, she witnessed the broken pieces of the goblet miraculously coming back together, without any trace of damage.
Filled with hope and joy, the hostess rushed to the cellar and discovered that the barrel, which was previously half empty, was now filled with the most delicious wine. Overwhelmed by this miracle, she couldn't contain her excitement. However, St. Anthony, in his deep humility, decided to continue his journey to Italy without delay. He wanted to avoid the attention and applause that would surely follow once news of this fresh miracle spread.
12. The Carved Capon
St. Anthony received an invitation from a group of heretics to join them for dinner, to mock him for his supposed foolishness. However, he kindly accepted their invitation. As they sat down to eat, a large bat, commonly found in Sicily, was presented to him and he was asked to carve it. Without any sign of unease, he began to carve the bat, causing the heretics to struggle to contain their laughter. But their laughter quickly turned into astonishment, as the pitiful bird transformed into a magnificent capon, filling the room with a delightful aroma. This miraculous event had such a profound impact on their hearts that not only did they acknowledge the power of God's servant, but they also renounced their erroneous beliefs and embraced the Church.
13. The Apparition of the Holy Child
The Friars Minor did not have a monastery within the walls of Padua, with the closest one located at Arcella, outside the city, about three-quarters of an hour's walk away. Due to the gates closing early in the evening, the saint often found it impossible to return home after his missionary work. However, he was always able to find shelter for the night among his friends, who were more than happy to host him. Tito Borghese, Count of Campo San Pietro, was one of the saint's dearest friends and held him in great veneration, even going as far as carefully noting down all that occurred during his visits.
This nobleman's admiration for the saint was so profound that he would rise at night to observe his guest through the keyhole. During one such visit, he noticed an extraordinary light emanating from the saint's room. Curious, he approached and was astonished to see St. Anthony holding a beautiful child in his arms, tenderly caressing the infant. Initially puzzled as to how the child had entered the room, the host soon realized, from the saint's demeanor and the child's appearance, that it was none other than the divine Lord Himself, who had come in this form to comfort, encourage, and strengthen His faithful servant. The apparition continued for some time before disappearing suddenly, leaving the room in darkness.
Upon finishing his prayers, the saint got up to retire to his bedroom and accidentally bumped into his host in the dark. This miraculous encounter left a lasting impression on Tito Borghese, further solidifying his deep respect and admiration for St. Anthony. The saint's unwavering faith and the divine presence that manifested itself in his presence left those around him in awe and wonder, reinforcing his reputation as a truly blessed and favored servant of God.
He begged his friend not to reveal his secret, feeling as if he had committed a crime. After the death of St. Anthony, the Count tearfully recounted everything that had happened, despite faithfully keeping his promise during the saint's lifetime. The heavenly light emanating from the divine Child, though brighter and more beautiful than the sun, did not blind the eye but filled the heart with indescribable joy. The Count mentioned that the holy Child had indicated to St. Anthony that he was being watched, but the saint seemed to ignore it to not take away his friend's heavenly comfort. It was also noted that the holy Child was standing on the breviary of the saint. This vision has been documented by many historians, leading to St. Anthony often being depicted with the holy Child on his breviary.
14. Flight to Lisbon
During his time in Lisbon, the father of St. Anthony, Don Martin de Buglione, found himself in a difficult situation. A murder had taken place near his house and the body was thrown into his garden, leading to suspicion falling upon him. He was accused of the crime, thrown into prison, and faced a long and painful trial that could potentially end in his execution. Meanwhile, St. Anthony was in Padua, working for the sake of God. However, God allowed this accusation to happen to reveal and glorify His beloved child in his own homeland. While praying, St. Anthony learned about his father's situation and immediately sought permission from his superiors to leave the monastery for a few days. Once granted, he embarked on a journey to Lisbon, confident that he would arrive before his father's death sentence was pronounced. Along the way, he was suddenly transported to Lisbon, a miraculous favor from heaven that filled him with indescribable emotions.
He immediately went to the court and started defending his father's case. The judges were impressed by his eloquence, but still couldn't believe the accused was innocent. Anthony, undeterred, prayed briefly and then went to the cemetery without permission. He ordered the body of the murdered man to be dug up. When the coffin was opened, he commanded the deceased to speak the truth. The corpse sat up and declared that Don Martin de Buglione was not the murderer. The youth asked for absolution and then peacefully laid back in the coffin. St. Anthony vanished, leaving the judges and crowd amazed, declaring it a miracle. Don Martin de Buglione was declared innocent and freed thanks to his son's intervention.
St. Anthony's response, "I have come to protect the innocent, not to betray the guilty," quickly became well-known among the judges. After being asked about the true culprit, he miraculously returned to the monastery of Santa Maria dell' Arcella after being away for one day and two nights.
15. St. Anthony Again Rescues His Father
St. Anthony's father had an important role at the court of Lisbon. It is not known exactly what his role was, but, certainly, he was heavily involved in managing the royal finances. One day, he forgot to ask for a receipt from certain officials of the royal household to whom he had paid large sums of money. These officials were jealous of his position and the favors he received from the king, so they saw this as an opportunity to ruin him. They claimed that they hadn't received the money and a lawsuit was initiated. It seemed like he would lose the case due to lack of evidence, but his son, Anthony, suddenly appeared before the dishonest officials. He looked them in the eye and provided detailed testimony about the day, time, place, and even the specific coins used to make the payment. He also warned them that they would face God's wrath if they didn't immediately provide the required receipt. Frightened by the prospect of facing such a credible witness, the count's enemies admitted to receiving the money. From that moment on, Don Martin de Buglione was no longer bothered by his enemies.
16. Where Your Treasure Is,
Among the many vices that plagued Florence, usury was the one that St. Anthony fought against the most. St. Bonaventure recounts an incident that occurred in the city, which St. Anthony used in one of his sermons to demonstrate how God punishes this vice severely.
A wealthy usurer passed away, and during prayer, God revealed to St. Anthony that this man's soul was in hell due to his unjust dealings with others. A large crowd gathered to listen to the saint's funeral sermon. As soon as he ascended the pulpit, he began by highlighting the gravity of the sin of usury. He proclaimed that usurers, driven by their greed for wealth, were the enemies of humanity. They desired wars, famines, and diseases to enrich themselves at the expense of others, finding their happiness solely in accumulating riches. With even greater emphasis, he declared:
"They are also enemies of their own souls, as it is rare for a usurer to become holy." He added, "This is precisely what has happened to the person we are honoring today," pointing towards the catafalque before him. St. Anthony continued, "To prove the truth of my statement, you only need to look at the chest of money that brought him joy and served as his god during his short time on earth. You will find his heart lying beneath his gold, for even the Son of God Himself declared, 'Where your treasure is, there also is your heart.'"
The announcement left the people stunned, and many rushed to the deceased's house to confirm the truth. They found the warm heart under the gold, but when they checked the body again at the church, the heart was missing. Outraged, they refused to bury the usurer in holy ground and disposed of the body in a place for dead animals. This event led to the decline of usury in Florence, prompting St. Anthony and his companion to leave the city for Mt. Alvernia.
17. St. Anthony Cures a Cripple
During his time in Padua, the saint encountered a young man named Leonardo who confessed to kicking his mother so forcefully that she fell to the ground. In order to make Leonardo realize the severity of his actions, St. Anthony told him, "Someone who kicks their father or mother deserves to have their foot cut off." However, Leonardo misunderstood the saint's words and actually went home and chopped off the foot he had used to kick his mother. When the saint heard about this, he immediately went to visit Leonardo. After making the sign of the cross on the severed limb, both the leg and foot miraculously rejoined without leaving any trace.
18. Bilocation of the Saint
A remarkable miracle was passed down through generations. While giving a sermon on Easter Sunday at the cathedral in Montpellier, the saint realized he had to sing the Alleluia at the convent Mass. He briefly paused, seeming to catch his breath, but in truth, he was singing the Alleluia in his own monastery. Afterward, he continued with his sermon. These events led to St. Anthony being highly respected by all.
19. Wind and Rain Obey St. Anthony
In Bourges, France, an incredible event occurred that was later depicted on one of the cathedral's portals. The crowds that gathered to listen to the saint preach were too large to fit inside any of the city's churches or squares. As a solution, a vast field outside the city walls was rented, and the people, along with the clergy, made their way there in a procession. Luckily, it was summertime.
During St. Anthony's sermon, the weather suddenly changed. The sky darkened, the wind picked up, and thunder could be heard in the distance. The massive crowd grew anxious, thinking about seeking shelter. However, the saint reassured them, telling them to stay put and not to be afraid. Despite the storm raging around them, not a single drop of rain fell on the congregation.
Witnessing this miraculous event, the people present were filled with awe and gratitude towards God. They sang hymns of praise and thanksgiving, marveling at how the rain and winds obeyed the saint's words. The ground beneath them remained dry, reminiscent of the Israelites' passage through the Red Sea. This extraordinary occurrence only deepened the respect and veneration the people felt towards St. Anthony, who was so greatly favored by God.
20. Zeal for the Word of God
St. Anthony tried to stay hidden, but God made him famous before he died. A rich lady, dressed in fancy clothes, was on her way to hear a sermon by St. Anthony during Lent. She wasn't paying attention and fell into a dirty pool. She thought she would be covered in mud, but miraculously, her clothes were clean when she got out.
People started talking about this miracle, saying it was because of St. Anthony's prayers. This story teaches two things. First, that dressing extravagantly, even if you're rich, is not pleasing to God. Second, listening to God's word will bring blessings.
St. Anthony's humility and devotion to God led to miracles that showed the power of faith. The lady's experience in the pool was a reminder that God's protection is always present for those who seek Him. This story serves as a lesson about the importance of faith and the rewards of following God's teachings.
21.The Saint's Sermon is Heard at a Great Distance
Living an hour away from the church where the saint was preaching, a woman yearned to hear his words. However, her husband's illness prevented her from attending. Unable to find solace in her loss, she stepped out onto the balcony, leaning on the railings, and gazed longingly in the direction of the sermon. To her surprise, she began to hear every word the preacher said, as if she were inside the church. Afraid it might be an illusion, she hurriedly ran to her husband and pleaded for him to come and listen. Without hesitation, the sick man agreed and he too heard the saint's words clearly. Their joy was indescribable. To confirm that it was not a figment of their imagination, they asked their neighbors about the sermon's topic upon returning home. They then shared their miraculous experience, bringing greater glory to God and His devoted servant, Anthony.
22. Cure of a Paralyzed Child
After delivering his sermon, the saint hurried back to his monastery, eager to avoid the adulation of the crowd. However, his plans were interrupted by a desperate man cradling a little girl with paralyzed feet. Not only was she unable to walk, but she also suffered from violent epileptic fits. The father, placing his trust in the saint, knelt before him, clutching his daughter and pleading for his blessing. Touched by the father's anguish, St. Anthony wasted no time and granted his request. Upon returning home, the father gently placed his child on the ground, supporting her with the rail of a bench. To his astonishment, she took a few hesitant steps and soon discarded the need for a stick. With unbridled joy, the once-afflicted Padovana ran freely around the room, completely healed. These miraculous healings became a regular occurrence, earning the saint a reputation akin to that of Our Lord, as he tirelessly went about doing good and curing all.
23. A Martyr's Death Predicted
God granted His servant the ability of prophecy as well, and the saint foretold to a woman in Assisi that her soon-to-be-born son would face martyrdom, a prophecy that tragically came true. The son, named Philip, became a Franciscan and was sent to Asia, which had been recently taken back from the Christians by the Saracens. Despite facing brutal torture and the choice to renounce Christianity for Islam, Philip bravely stood firm in his faith. Along with other Christians whom he inspired, he was ultimately beheaded for his beliefs.
24. Death of St. Anthony
The miraculous events surrounding the death of St. Anthony in Padua are truly awe-inspiring. Despite his weakened state, he agreed to preach Lenten sermons, only to fall ill shortly after. As news of his condition spread, a large crowd gathered at the monastery to seek his final blessing. Even in his last moments, the saint's devotion to the Blessed Mother shone through as he sang praises to her with his dying breath.
Following his death, God continued to work miracles through St. Anthony's intercession. Thirty-two years later, a remarkable event occurred when his body was exhumed. While only bones remained, his tongue was perfectly preserved, a testament to the countless times it had praised God during his lifetime. St. Bonaventure, in awe of this sight, honored the tongue and placed it in a beautiful casket adorned with precious stones.
The legacy of St. Anthony lives on in the hearts of the faithful, as his miracles and devotion to God continue to inspire. The city of Padua, where he spent much of his life, remains a testament to his enduring impact. Through his example of faith and love for the Blessed Mother, St. Anthony's memory is cherished and his intercession sought by many to this day.
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PART II
MIRACLES WORKED AFTER THE DEATH OF ST. ANTHONY
25. A Skull Injured
A YOUNG relative of the saint had so injured his skull through a fall that there was no hope of saving him through human means. The child was taken and placed on the altar dedicated to St. Anthony, and was so completely cured that he never suffered from any pain in his head again.
26. The Picture of St. Anthony
In the year 1683, Antonia Palormi, a young girl of fourteen, living at Naples, fell on her head from a great height on to the top of a stone building. She bled profusely from her right ear and was half killed. The child, who had a great devotion to her name sake, St. Anthony, not only wore a picture of the saint round her neck, but used daily to recite the thirteen Our Fathers and Hail Marys in his honor. In the midst of her battle between life and death, he appeared to her, and taking hold of her by her hair, said: "Even had you not called upon me, I would have come to your rescue, on account of your devotion to me." She, at once, out of gratitude, joined the Order of St. Francis.
27. In Company with St. Anthony
A child had fallen into the water, and its mother, who, from a distance, saw the accident, cried out: "Oh! St. Anthony, help." She looked in vain for her son, but at last, discovering him among the reeds in the river, succeeded in saving him. He was not at all hurt, but laughed heartily. On being asked the cause of his merriment, he replied: "I was playing with St. Anthony, who told the water not to harm me, and I like playing with him."
28. Boys Playing in a Mill Stream
A nobleman had promised to make every year a pilgrimage to the tomb of St. Anthony, in thanksgiving for his having obtained for him the birth of a lovely boy, the darling of his heart. When the child was old enough, he used to accompany his parents to Padua. But one year, just as they were about starting, the boy fell ill, and the father went alone. In a few days he was quite well again, and one day went out with his little companions to play in the dry bed of a mill stream, near the fields. Whilst they were amusing themselves, the water was suddenly turned on, and no trace of the ten children could be found. The grief of the distracted mothers on hearing the news of this accident, can easily be imagined. In the meantime the count returned from Padua, and his first thought was to ask for his son. At first no one dared tell him the truth, but soon it eked out.
In the midst of his anguish, on learning this news, he had recourse to St.Anthony and said to him: "My dear, holy protector, it rests with you to restore to me the child you gave me, for surely you will not take him back."
After this prayer, he rose from his knees, certain that his heavenly friend would not desert him. He was right, for hearing the noise of boyish laughter, he looked out of his window and saw the merry little band of children, with his son in their midst, returning home from the meadow. It would be impossible here to describe the feelings of the happy parents. The boys, on being questioned how they had spent their time, replied they had had lots of fun, but knew nothing of what had happened. In this manner did the saint reward the pilgrimage of his pious votaries, by saving the lives of those little
ones so dear to them.
29. Back from Paradise
A Spanish princess had died, and her funeral was already ordered, but the queen mother, who had a great devotion to St. Anthony, now that all human assistance was of no avail had recourse to his intercession. In her grief she never left the corpse of her beloved daughter, and, with streaming eyes, said to our divine Lord: "It will not cost you more to raise my daughter from the dead than it did when you raised Lazarus from the grave, after being buried four days."
St. Anthony in heaven joined in her supplications, and to the joy and astonishment of all present, the young girl arose, and said to her mother: "Dearest mother, while you were praying to St. Anthony, I was in heaven, amid the choir of virgins, and I so clearly understood all the vanities of this world that I entreated God not to hear your prayers. He replied He could not refuse any favor to His servant, St. Anthony, and that also, on account of your earnest prayers, I must return to this world, to change your grief into joy, promising me, at the same time, I should return to my place among the blessed in a fortnight." Everything happened as she predicted.
A fortnight afterwards she expired, and went back to enjoy forever the presence of God.
30. Assassins Frightened
A priest in Padua, who had a great devotion to St. Anthony, had several enemies, who were eagerly watching for an opportunity to destroy him. One night, whilst they were waiting in ambush for the priest, a Franciscan monk suddenly placed himself a few steps before them. Finding he had no intention to move, one of them surlily ordered him in loud voice to move on. The Father gently, but firmly, replied, "Go your way yourselves; I shall remain here." Seeing him so determined, another rudely asked him:
"Pray, who are you?" "I am," he replied, "the saint of Padua." Upon which, as if struck down by some invisible power, they fell on their faces to the ground, just at the time when the priest, who, suspecting nothing, passed by, and was informed by his holy patron of the danger he had escaped. The would-be assassins, filled with remorse, humbly begged his forgiveness, and related how the great St. Anthony, without being called upon, watches over those who trust in him.
31. A Strong Shield
The following incident took place at Puglia, in the kingdom of Naples, before so many witnesses that the news of it soon spread all over the country. A peasant boy was digging a hole beside a steep rock, when it fell suddenly, carrying the boy with it in its fall. His younger brother, who had seen the accident, ran to tell his mother of it. Her first thought was to call on St. Anthony to help her, as well as those who were going to the rescue of her child. At last, in the presence of an immense crowd, the stones were removed, and to the great astonishment of all present, not only was the boy alive, but he had not even a scratch on his face or head. Being asked how he had been able to save himself, he replied: "As soon as you, mother, began praying to St. Anthony, he at once came and shielded me with his hand, so that not only did the sharp stones not fall on me, but I could breathe freely."
32. Dragged by a Mule
Once Father Coinage, S. J., who had a great devotion to St. Anthony of Padua, was returning to Palermo from Mazzara, in Sicily, accompanied by one of the Brothers, and saying his breviary. He had just come to that verse in the canticle of the youngmen in the fiery furnace: "Praise the Lord, all His works," when his mule, which was considered a quiet animal, took fright, and broke the bridle. The Father was thrown out of the saddle, and dragged for a considerable distance over a rough and ragged road, with his feet caught in the stirrups. He went on all the time saying his prayers, as if nothing was wrong. At last the mule was stopped. On getting up from the ground he told his companion, who expected to find him either dead or seriously injured: "It is to the prayers of St. Anthony that I owe my safety."
33. A Scoffer Changes into an Admirer
The following- account of a most extraordinary conversion, through the intercession of St. Anthony, was written by a gentleman living in Venice, A.D. 1677.
For many years he had been a Calvinist, and on his way back from Rome, visited Padua, where he heard so much about the miracles of St. Anthony, that, having no faith in them, he was sick of hearing them mentioned. Curiosity, however, made him visit the "Church del Santo," considered one of the most beautiful in the city. Whilst looking- at the chapel under which the body of the saint lay, he could not help thinking of the necessity of saving his soul, and on drawing near the sarcophagus, he began reading an account of the miracles engraved on it. He was so struck by the story of the mule adoring the Blessed Sacrament that he could not forget it. Trusting that travel would drive these thoughts, which pursued him night and day, away, he left Padua and started for Milan, but to no purpose. At last, yielding to grace, he became a fervent Catholic, and a devout client of St. Anthony. He was often heard to say he would rather lose all the goods of this world and suffer any amount of torture than desert the Catholic Church.
34. A Glass as Hard as a Rock
A Protestant soldier named Aleardino San Salvatore went to see his family at Padua. One day, whilst at table, the conversation naturally ran on the miracles of St. Anthony of Padua, recently deceased. Full of pride, and not believing a word of them, the heretic scoffingly said: "I will become a Catholic, if this glass,which I hold in my hand, does not break into pieces when I throw it against that stone," pointing to a large stone not far off. No sooner said than done. He threw the glass with such violence that the stone against which it was thrown was shivered to pieces, whilst the glass remained uninjured. Astounded at the sight of this miracle, he became a Catholic and made a present of the glass to the Franciscan monastery at Padua, where it may still be seen.
35. A Wish Granted
A lay Sister of the Order of the Poor Ladies of Mount Olivet approached the corpse of St. Anthony whilst it was still lying unburied in the church, and reverently kissing his hand, implored him, in her simplicity, to have her purgatory here on earth, so that she might go straight to heaven at her death. Her petition was granted.
On her return home she was seized with such violent pains all over her body that her screams could be heard all over the convent. At night they gradually abated, and she was able the next day to get up and go to the refectory.
She had hardly sat down, before they returned with such intensity that the mother abbess was compelled to send her to the infirmary. Here she had again recourse to the saint, begging of him this time to cure her. Remembering a poor woman had a piece of his habit, she sent for it, placed it on her body and instantly recovered.
36. A Poor Clare Cured
Sister Victoria, a poor Clare, belonging to the monastery at Vienna, certainly deserved her name, owing to her great confidence in God, even when laboring under the greatest difficulties. On one occasion, after being bled, one of the sinews of her right arm was so injured that the whole arm swelled up and became so inflamed that her life was despaired of. The pain, which was intense, never ceased, and the doctor lost every hope of saving her. Victoria alone, full of confidence in God and in the intercession of her patron, St. Anthony, felt convinced of the contrary. In stead of joining in the prayers of those surrounding her bedside, she repeated the Te Deum and antiphons. On the eve of the feast of St. Thomas, the inflammation had so increased that the Sisters expected every moment the bell to be tolled for her decease. Towards midnight a slight improvement was noticed in the state of the patient, which continued, so that in a few days she was able to move her hand without danger. On her recovery, she informed the prioress of what had taken place. About midnight the mother abbess had brought two Franciscan monks to her bedside, St. Anthony, and St. Bernardin of Sienna. One repeated the antiphons to her, and ordered her to stretch out her hand; the other had blessed her in the name of our dear Lord, and she was instantly cured.
37. Places Exchanged
During the Middle Ages, leprosy was very prevalent in Italy, and St.Bonaventure used often, in the antiphons, to implore the assistance of St.Anthony to obtain the cure of those attacked by this dire disease.
The following incident proves how powerful his intercession was: A poor leper, having heard of the miracles worked by St. Anthony, determined, full of confidence in his intercession, to go and pray on his tomb. On his way to the church, he met a soldier, who scoffingly said to him: "Where are you going, you simpleton? Do you think the ashes and bones of that Brother can heal you? Go, tell him with my compliments, I am not afraid of death, and he can send me your leprosy if he likes." The leper went his way, not heeding the words of the scoffer, but full of trust in the saint, and kneeling before his shrine soon fell into a beautiful sleep, during which he dreamt he saw St. Anthony, who kindly said to him: "Arise, brother, you are cured; go, give your crutches to the soldier; he sadly needs them." On awaking, he found it was no illusion; he was perfectly cured, and went at once, as he had been bidden, to seek the soldier, whom he found covered with leprosy. Giving him his crutches, said: "I am cured; my saint has told me to give you my crutches."
In this manner, two miracles were wrought: one of mercy, the other of chastisement. As for the soldier, the sight of this miracle touched his heart, and, full of repentance, he allowed himself to be carried to the shrine of the saint, hoping he would have compassion on him. Nor was he mistaken, for after he promised to lead a better life and become a good Catholic, he was also restored to health. He never forgot his promise and became a most devout client of St. Anthony.
38. "Do You Know Me?"
Aldonisia, the daughter of Queen Taraxia, of Portugal, lay on a sick bed, given up by all, save the queen mother, who could not believe her child was going to die, for she felt confident that St. Anthony, whose devout client she was, would cure her darling.
"Come," said she to him in her anguish, "come, you were born in this land, come and obtain, through your powerful intercession, the cure of my child." Shortly after midnight, the young girl fell asleep, and the saint, appearing to her, said: "Dost thou know me? I am St. Anthony, and am come here at the request of your mother. You can have your choice, either to be with me to-day in heaven without passing through the flames of purgatory, or to recover and return to your mother." The child chose the health of the body and was immediately cured. Taking hold of the cord of St. Anthony, she cried out to her mother: "See, mother, here is St.Anthony, who has come to cure me."
The queen and her suite rushed to the bedside of the princess, and on finding her child cured, the mother fell on her knees to thank God and St. Anthony.
39. A Son Restored to his Parents
The following miracle took place at Rome, in the month of March, 1683: Don Nicholas Grassi, the president of the royal board of administration at Naples, having to go to Rome, took with him his wife and only son. They had scarcely reached the city before the child fell dangerously ill, and was given up by the doctors. His mother, a devout client of St. Anthony, full of confidence in his intercession, implored the saint to befriend her on this trying occasion. Suddenly at about three o clock in the afternoon of Shrove Tuesday, she heard her son calling out to the saint. She immediately ran to the sick-bed, but he, waving her away with his hand, distinctly cried out: "Anthony." She again asked him whom he was calling, and this time he replied: "I saw a monk in a dark habit; it must have been St.Anthony himself, for he held in one hand some lovely red and white roses, and in the other a book, on which a beautiful boy was standing." From that time the child got better, and in a few days was completely cured. On being taken to a church, where there was a picture of the saint, he at once pointed it out to his mother, saying: "Look, mother, there is the monk who appeared to me during my illness and cured me." Every time he met a Franciscan Father, he would exclaim : "There is a monk who wears the same habit as St. Anthony."
40. Gangrene Cured
In 1674, Count Mirola, the commander-in-chief of the papal army, sent to reinforce the Venetians in the war against the Turks, was seriously wounded in the ankle at the siege of Sebenico. In the hope of saving his life, the foot was amputated, but in spite of this, gangrene set in. The count, full of confidence in the intercession of St. Anthony, sent for one of his pictures, and placing it on the wounded limb, said: "Although I am only a miserable sinner, knowing how good thou art to us, I am certain, dear St. Anthony, of being cured through your powerful intercession."
The count's confidence was not misplaced; in a short time the wound was completely healed, and soon the news of this fresh miracle spread far and wide.
41. "Take Courage" Such were the words which St. Anthony himself addressed, in 1682, to a poor man dying at Naples, of dropsy in the head. Emmanuel Caravascione, in spite of being given over by the doctors, and speechless, never lost hope, and although those round his bedside were expecting him every moment to breathe his last, he was himself silently imploring the saint to intercede for him and to come to his rescue. It was not in vain. About midnight, St. Anthony appeared to him and said: "Take courage, friend. I will help you," and disappeared. The sick man at once recovered his speech, called his wife, and, relating all that had just taken place, told her to go to the Franciscan church and earnestly implore the saint's intercession. To this the poor woman gladly acceded, immediately going barefooted to the church, where she had several Masses, together with the antiphons of the saint, said in his honor. On her return home, she found the doctor perfectly astonished at the marked improvement in the state of the patient. Whilst he was thus talking with her, her little three-year-old boy, who had been staying in the sick-room, suddenly ran up to her, pulling at her dress, wanting her to come and see St. Anthony, who was talking with his father. Not paying attention to what the little one said, she continued her conversation with the doctor and then went back to the sick-room, where, to her great astonishment, she found her husband perfectly recovered from his illness. "Oh, mamma,"said the child, reproachfully, "why did you not come sooner? See, St. Anthony is gone."
42. A Good Name Restored
In 1641, a parish priest in Tyrol was falsely accused by some of his parishioners of having committed a dreadful crime and denounced to his bishop. The priest, conscious of his innocence, did not hesitate for a moment, anticipating the summons, but, after appearing before the consistory, he was condemned and sent to prison.
Finding his good name gone, and that there seemed no chance of his obtaining redress from man, he did not lose heart, but at once wrote to St. Anthony, imploring his assistance. As he couldn't take the letter to the monastery at Kattern, he sent it by a messenger, begging the monks to place it on the altar dedicated to the saint, which they did.
St. Anthony, ever the friend of the persecuted, came at once to the rescue of his devout suppliant and soon made the judges discover the injustice of the accusation. The sentence of imprisonment pronounced against him was at once annulled, and he was honorably reinstated in his former parish. His calumniators, to save themselves from heavier penalties, were forced not only to retract their accusations, and pay all the expenses of the trial but also to perform great works of charity.
43. A Lunatic Cured
In 1701, Herr Franz Zallinger, a gentleman highly respected in Botzen, was suddenly seized with madness while attending the services at the Franciscan church and became so convulsed that it required several strong men to carry him out of the terror-stricken congregation and to put him in one of the cells of the monastery, where he had to be closely watched. His brother George, a devout client of St. Anthony, had at once recourse to the saint's intercession in behalf of the unfortunate lunatic, who was immediately cured and restored to his family.
A magnificent ex voto, in the form of a large silver heart, was placed by the grateful family on the altar of St.Anthony, at Kattern, as a memento of this miraculous cure.
44. A Happy Death Obtained
A Spanish nobleman, noted for the ordeal and respectful welcome he gave to the Franciscans who asked for hospitality from him, lay at the point of death when two Franciscan Fathers came and wanted to see him. On hearing of their arrival, he immediately ordered them to be shown up to his room, and said to them: "I have always longed for two of your religious to come and assist me in my last moments, and God has heard my prayer; do, pray, I entreat you, remain with me till all is over."
"Most willingly," replied the elder of the two monks, whose hands were marked with the stigmata; "we are here for that purpose. I am Francis and my companion is Anthony. We have only come down from heaven to bring you back with us." What a consolation for a man on his deathbed!
45. Crushed by the Fall of a Tree
In the year 1666, one of the laborers of a nobleman, Johannes Kaspar Inderman, residing at Kurtasch, in the Tyrol, experienced the protection of St. Anthony most wonderfully. One day whilst engaged in felling down a large tree, just after giving the last stroke his foot slipped, and the whole weight of the immense trunk fell on his body, rendering him unconscious. The wife of the nobleman at once, on hearing of the accident, had recourse to the intercession of St. Anthony, promising to have two Masses said in his chapel at Kattern if he would only save the life of the poor fellow. The promise was hardly made before the man got up unhurt. Out of gratitude to St. Anthony, he placed an ex-voto in his chapel at Kaltern.
46. Carriage portion
In 1649, St. Anthony did a great act of kindness to a poor girl. The mother, pressed by extreme poverty, wanted to sell her beautiful daughter for money. The unhappy girl, in her anguish, went and knelt before the picture of St.Anthony, in the Franciscan church, imploring him, weeping bitterly, to save her honor. During her prayer, the saint stretched out his hand and handing a note to her, said: "Go to the bishop's administrator, and tell him in my name to give you for your marriage portion as much money as this paper weighs."
Full of joy, she at once obeyed and presented the note to the aforesaid gentleman. He at first laughed at her but after putting the paper on one side of the scales, and finding it weighed two hundred silver crowns, remembered a promise he had made the year before to give the above-named sum of money, as a marriage portion, to a poor girl. He at once handed the sum over to her, thus saving her from dishonor.
47. Saved from Suicide
Discord is the greatest of all evils which can enter into a house. Union in wedlock, and in one's family makes life a real paradise on earth. Heaven cannot exist without harmony. Hell is one continual discord.
A most unhappy family lived in one of the small villages of Portugal. The husband, not content, with coming home at night, with calling his wife bad names, used to beat her, kick her, and even threaten to turn her out of doors. The cause of such conduct can be easily guessed; he used to stay out late at night and frequented bad company. The poor woman, at last despairing of her husband turning over a new leaf, determined to destroy herself. One night, after her husband had gone to his usual haunts, just as she was about to fetch the rope that was to put an end to her misery in this world, she heard a knock at the door. On opening it, two Franciscan Fathers humbly asked if she could give them a night's lodging, saying: "We are come to a great distance, and are called Francis and Anthony." On hearing these words, the poor woman exclaimed: "Oh, what beautiful names!
They are the names of two saints I love very dearly. Do, pray, come in, reverend Fathers; you are indeed welcome." She at once set about getting everything ready, to make them as comfortable as possible. While listening to their conversation about heavenly things, at supper, all thoughts of despair and suicide vanished, a feeling of peace and gratitude stole over her heart, making her thank God for having sent her such guests. As soon as the strangers seemed to be preparing to retire to rest, she withdrew to a little room, and there, falling on her knees, humbly implored God's forgiveness, promising Him, for the future, never to yield to despair, being certain that He who is constantly watching over those who place their whole trust in Him, never permits anything to happen to them but for their greater good.
Whilst still on her knees, she heard her husband enter the house. But oh, how changed! Instead of beginning to curse and swear at her, as soon as he saw her, he fell at her feet, his face bathed in tears, and humbly entreated forgiveness. What could have changed him so? It was soon explained. Immediately after the poor woman had left the Fathers, they had appeared to the cruel husband, and, after sternly reproaching him with his crimes, threatened him with eternal damnation if he did not at once amend. "Richly, indeed, do you deserve to be among the damned, after committing crime upon crime. You will certainly be cast into hell in three days if you do not at once quit this place. Repent of your sins, confess, do penance for them, and amend.
Hasten home to your wife, ask her for the cord with which she was about to destroy herself, and beg her to forgive you. Tell her the two monks she received and welcomed into her house tonight are no other than St. Francis and St. Anthony." It would be impossible to describe the joy and gratitude of this now reconciled couple towards the two great saints who had been the instruments used by God to save them, soul and body. They at once, both of them, approached the Sacraments of Penance and of the Altar, and from henceforth led lives which were a foretaste of heaven.
48. The Great Harvest
A poor woman living near Padua had only a single field of wheat, which was so devoured by sparrows that hardly an ear of corn could be seen. No sooner had she driven them off one part of the field than they flew to another, with the greatest impudence. Finding her labor useless, she had recourse to St. Anthony, and, asking him to take care of her field, promised to visit his tomb nine times. Certain of his protection, she at once began her novena, and during that time left the field entirely under his care. After the novena was finished, she went to see how things were going on, and to her surprise found that not a sparrow was to be seen. That year she had a finer harvest than she ever had before.
49. The Storm Ceases and the Sea becomes Calm
A Maronite bishop, Timothy di Sarca, had left Mesopotamia to go to Rome. The coast of Ostia was al-ready seen in the distance, when suddenly a terrific hurricane arose on the Tyrrhenian sea, the ship being tossed about like a ball and her mast broken. All hopes of reaching land were given up, even by the oldest sailors, who only thought of preparing themselves for death. The good bishop, a devout client of St. Anthony, alone did not lose courage, and urged the passengers and crew to have recourse to St.Anthony, and to promise, did they reach the land, to burn a candle in his honor. To this all unanimously agreed. Immediately the storm ceased, the waters became as smooth as glass, and the vessel glided into port, driven by a favorable wind.
During his stay at Rome, the same bishop experienced another favor from his heavenly friend and benefactor. The Propaganda had given him a bill of exchange, in order to help him on his journey. Somehow or other, just as he was going to leave the city, it got mislaid and could not be found. In this dilemma he had at once recourse to his holy patron, and, having said Mass in his honor,begging of him to assist him, he returned to the house at which he was staying, where, to his great surprise, he found the bill lying on his table in his room.
50. "She is all Right Now" A ship, heavily laden with silk from Catalonia, had just reached the coast of Sicily, when a terrific storm arose, and the vessel was driven back to sea with such violence that she became perfectly unmanageable. Everybody on board thought they were lost, except one of the crew, who, in a loud voice, called upon St. Anthony to come to their rescue, saying: "Dear St. Anthony, become the pilot of this vessel; we hand her over to you.
"Immediately, on the sailors responding to this appeal, St. Anthony was seen at the helm, and, smiling at the crew, addressed them thus: "Let the vessel go by herself, she is all right now," after which he disappeared, and a gentle breeze drove the ship into harbor, without mast or rudder.
51. The Beacon
The remembrance of the protection of this great thaumaturgus is still preserved in the lagoons. Shortly after the canonization of the saint, a gondola containing more than twenty-six persons, whilst passing through Venice, during a night which was pitch dark, was caught in a sudden squall, and the boat was struck by the wind with such violence that for a moment the people in it did not know whether it was capsized or not. In this dilemma, they all cried out with one voice: "St. Anthony, help us; St. Anthony, help us." At once, amid the darkness, a bright light was seen, and they found the boat was close to the little island of San
Marco Piccolo, where they were safely landed. The light then disappeared, and the rescued party fell on their knees to thank their heavenly benefactor.
52. The Singer in the Boat
During a violent storm, a poor fisherman in Portugal, whose sole means of getting an honest livelihood depended on his boat, had the misfortune to see it break from its moorings and drift into the open sea. In his distress, he at once appealed to St. Anthony. Two days afterward, one of his neighbors came and told him how some young men, during a terrific storm, had seen a boat in the open sea, with no other occupant than a Franciscan monk at the helm, who was singing beautiful hymns. Struck by the coincidence, the poor man at once ran to the shore, where, to his great joy, he found his boat stranded on the beach.
53. Chains as an Altar Decoration
In the year 1672, a poor man, living in Cracovia, Poland, was unjustly accused of murder and condemned to the rack. This punishment, most terrible in itself, was frequently resorted to in the Middle Ages to force suspected criminals to confess the crimes of which they were accused, and the most innocent have certainly declared themselves guilty of offenses of which they had not even the remotest idea, rather than undergo this terrible torture a second time. Once a Capuchin Father was known, through fear of being again placed on this cruel instrument, to confess having struck Our Lord whilst He was hanging on the cross. What happened to the priest also happened to the poor Pole, who, whilst stretched on the rack, finding death preferable to what he was suffering, although quite innocent, declared he was guilty. On being taken back to prison, he began preparing himself for death, by receiving the sacraments of the Church, giving abundant alms, and recommending himself especially to St. Anthony.
The good saint would not permit his devout client to suffer such a disgraceful death, and on the night before his execution appeared to him, opened the prison gates, and, breaking his chains, ordered him to take them to his judges, so as to have his sentence revoked. The proofs of his innocence were too palpable to be doubted; the man was set free, and at once, out of gratitude, placed the chains on the altar of the saint, where they are still to be seen.
54. St. Anthony is Never Invoked in Vain
The celebrated Jesuit Father, Daniel Papebroch, relates the following incident that took place at Antwerp, in his youth, and which he never forgot: It happened that a woman in business who had received a note of hand from the head of a mercantile house could not find it anywhere, just at the time it became due. The loss of it did not at first trouble her very much, as having had dealt with the above-named house for several years, and her honesty being known to the firm, she felt certain payment would not be refused. She was mistaken; not only was she informed that the money had been already paid, but she was grossly insulted, which hurt even more than the loss of the money.
She therefore determined to consult a well-known soothsayer as to the best means of finding the lost note. Fortunately for her, she met on her way the mother of Father Papebroch, to whom she related what had taken place. After hearing her story, the lady strongly advised her to have a Mass said to St. Anthony, to which she at once agreed, and assisted at it herself. On her return home, she found a servant waiting for her, who informed her that his master, believing what she said to be true, was quite prepared to pay her the money without the note being produced.
55. King Charles II of England
In 1655, Charles II, who had been banished from England, went to reside in Cologne. Whilst there, the little gold and silver plate he had, which he greatly valued, was stolen. Despite being a Protestant, he sent one of the gentlemen of his suite to beg of the Friars Minor to pray for his intentions. The following day, Father Werner Burich, a highly respected priest, whilst passing through the church, noticed a stranger beckoning to him and pointing to a confessional. Thinking something was wrong, he went at once to the place and found there the sack containing the lost plate. He immediately sent for the superior of the monastery, Father Thomas Martine, who ordered two of the Brothers to restore the plate to the rightful owner. The king, delighted at having recovered his lost property, ordered an account of it to be published, which he attested and signed with his own hand.
56. The Grateful Captain
In 1674, a Swiss captain, stationed at Dunkirk, in French Flanders, one night on retiring to rest, put his purse, containing sixty gold doubloons, under his pillow, but on awakening the next morning could not find them; the purse had disappeared. He at once went to ask the assistance of St. Anthony and had a Mass said in his honor at the Franciscan church. During the Offertory, somebody knocked at the door of the monastery.
On the porter opening it, a soldier, accompanied by another man, gave him the purse, which the Brother at first hesitated to receive. The soldier insisted, and, throwing it at his feet, exclaimed: "I did not steal the purse," and disappeared. When Mass was over, the money was restored to the captain, who, out of gratitude, made a present of the greater part of it to the monastery. A picture, commemorating this and other miracles worked by the saint, was
placed in his chapel.
57. A Child Stolen
In 1720, a poor woman left her little four-year-old child alone in her garden, surrounded by high walls, as she was obliged to go to Botzen on business. On her return from town, she went to fetch her little girl, who was nowhere to be found. Full of anguish, she immediately made a pilgrimage to St. Anthony's chapel, at Kattern, and on coming home, found the little one safe and sound in the house. On being questioned by her mother, she replied: "Whilst you were away, a man climbed over the wall of our garden and carried me to the top of a big hill, but I had not been long there before a priest found me, and brought me home, telling me I must be a very good little girl and always say my prayers and mind what you tell me, which I certainly shall try." The grateful mother easily guessed that the good priest could be no other than St. Anthony.
58. Erysipelas Cured through
Invoking St. Anthony The youngest son of John Amaldus von Buren, a lad of thirteen, owing to a severe attack of erysipelas, had to have the knee bone of his right leg taken out. Despite this painful operation, cancer set in, and the only hope of saving the sufferer's life was by amputating the diseased limb. The boy, on hearing this, asked for a picture of St. Anthony, and full of confidence in his powerful intercession, implored him to take pity on him and cure him; promising if he did so, he to make a pilgrimage to his shrine at Padua, and always to wear a gray dress in his honor. No sooner was the promise made than he felt himself perfectly cured. Shortly afterward he started for Padua to fulfill his vow, and was able to kneel at the altar of the saint without feeling any pain. Those who had seen him during his illness could hardly believe in the cure, but, after carefully examining the knee, they found to their great astonishment no trace of the bone having been taken out.
59. The Bishop's Ring
Don Ignatius Martiques, Bishop of Cordova, had a great devotion to St. Anthony and received many favors from him. Once he lost his bishop's ring, which he had received at his consecration, and naturally, for this reason, the loss of it greatly troubled him. He at once had several Masses said for his intention, but the saint
seemed to have turned a deaf ear.
One day whilst at table with several gentlemen, the conversation ran upon the miracles the saint was working, and which filled the whole world with astonishment. The bishop also spoke about the many favors he had received, and how greatly he trusted the dear saint, but added: "I am just now rather inclined to quarrel with him, for despite my repeatedly asking him, he has not yet given me back my ring." Hardly had he uttered these words before the ring, to the astonishment of all present, fell on the table, as if coming from the ceiling, and everyone joined in giving three cheers for St. Anthony.
60. The Manuscript Ready for the Press
The Dominican bishop, Ambrosius Catherinus, as renowned for his virtue as for his great learning, has written several books, among others one bearing the title of "Honor due to the Saints," from which the following anecdote is extracted: The bishop, on his way home from Toulouse, after traveling a considerable distance, discovered that a valuable manuscript, ready for printing, was missing. He immediately retraced his steps, in the hopes of finding it,
and even took the trouble of asking the governor of the city to assist him. Finding earthly aid of no avail, he had recourse to St. Anthony, promising to mention this favor in his book, where the manuscript was found. Full of these thoughts, he resumed his journey and on the road met a stranger, who, drawing near to him, asked if he had not lost a manuscript. The bishop replied in the affirmative and gave a description of the lost treasure. Upon which the man, after returning it to him, showed him the place where he had dropped it. Full of gratitude, the bishop faithfully kept his word and gave an account of his loss in the book, which was printed at Lyons, in 1541.
61. Heard during Mass
John Comez Cano, chamberlain to the Duke of Brabant, had a great lawsuit to carry on in the Senate House, but unfortunately, some very important documents had been mislaid, without which the case would be lost. In this predicament, John Gomez Cano's only hope was to make an appeal to St. Anthony and implore his assistance, promising, in return, to have three Masses said in his honor. Full of these thoughts, he went to the Franciscan church in Brussels, and, while on his way to the chapel, met one of the Fathers in the cloisters, who, looking at him most benevolently, asked in Spanish the cause of his sadness. On being informed of it, he said: "Go and hear a Mass in honor of St. Anthony, and you will receive the lost documents tomorrow," which was, in fact, the case. The lawsuit was gained and an ex-vote was placed in the chapel of the saint to commemorate the miracle, which happened in 1646.
62. An Ant Employed as Porter
St. Anthony is ever ready to help those who fully trust in him, even in the most trifling matters. Supposing you lose a key, only ask St Anthony and he will certainly find it for you. The following incident clearly proves the truth of this assertion: A lay Capuchin Brother had a rosary which, for the many indulgences attached to it, he greatly prized.
One day he accidentally broke the string on which the beads were strung, so that they were scattered all over the ground. He at once began to pick them up, but to his great vexation, one was missing, and not being able to find it he at once said a prayer to St. Anthony, which was no sooner finished than to his great astonishment he saw an ant coming with great difficulty towards him, carrying on her back the lost bead. Filled with gratitude, the good Brother wept for joy at the sight of the kindness of his dear saint.
63. Returned at Midnight
In 1664 a rich merchant from Augsburg sent his confidential servant on business to St. Andrew's market, at Botzen, and gave him at the same time two hundred and thirty guldens in coin and several thousand in paper money, which were carefully packed up in his traveling bag.
The servant being obliged to go to Trent on business, returned by way of Tramin. Worn out by his long journey, and finding it impossible to proceed any further until he had rested a little, he lay down near the roadside close to Tramin and was soon fast asleep. On waking, he found his bag had disappeared. He at once made use of every means he possibly could to discover the thief, but finding it useless, went to Kattern on the 23d of November, and on seeing the superior of the Franciscans, informed him of his loss, at the same time asking for three Masses and other prayers to be said in honor of St. Anthony, and returned again to Botzen, fully convinced that the money would be found. In the meantime, the antiphons in honor of St. Anthony were daily said by the choir Brothers, to obtain his assistance. On the 13th of December, whilst matins was being sung, a terrible noise was heard at the church door, which increased so much that the Brothers, greatly alarmed, went to see what was the matter. Suddenly all was silent, and, on their reaching the door, they found it forced open and inside a quantity of paper scattered over the floor, together with two bags of money, a pair of stockings, and an old veil, all of which was the stolen property of the merchant, M. Morrell, who was then staying at Botzen. On his receiving the stolen things, he found only twenty-one gulden and thirty-eight kreuzers missing; out of gratitude, he had an ex voto placed in the chapel, on which was a representation of the church door being forced open, and bags of money being thrown inside the church.
64. The Victorious Admiral
The very reverend Father Provincial Kuck, of the Franciscan province of Bavaria, heard, himself, the following incident related by Admiral Don Mondemar, during his visit to Spain, when convoked to the General Chapter, held at Murcia. The then reigning King of Spain, Philip IV., determined to send a fleet to recapture Oran from the Moors. Several attempts had already been made, all of which had failed, and the fortress was considered impregnable. In spite of everything the admiral could say, the king persisted in his determination, and, consequently, nothing remained but to obey. On reaching Alicant, Don Mondemar allowed his troops to disembark, and availed himself of this opportunity to visit the church of the Franciscans, dedicated to St. Anthony, where he placed the whole business in his hands. With this intention, after spending some time in prayer, he called upon the superior, begging of him to have the office of St. Anthony said. This being ended, he, in the presence of a great many people, asked the Father Superior's permission to have a ladder placed before the high altar, over which a life-size statue of the saint stood. This granted, he mounted the ladder and clothed the statue with all the insignia of a Spanish admiral in active service, and thus addressed the saint: "You, St. Anthony, must capture Oran, for I am unable to do so;" and laying his hand on the head of the statue, continued: "You are now the admiral, and I am only your humble servant and soldier, ready to obey your orders, for after God, I place my whole trust in you."
This ceremony concluded, he came down from the ladder and returned with his men to the fleet, where they embarked. As the squadron drew near Oran, all waited anxiously for the enemy to begin the attack. Seeing no notice was taken of them, the admiral ordered his men to fire. Again no response from the citadel. At a loss to understand what this meant, the command was given to land the troops, and, to the great astonishment of every one, the city gates were wide open. Thinking this was a stratagem of the enemy, they proceeded very cautiously through the empty streets, which, like the fortress, were completely deserted. Here an old Moor was discovered, concealed in his house, and was immediately brought before the admiral, who demanded an explanation of this extraordinary behavior on the part of the garrison and inhabitants. "As soon," replied the old man, "as the Christian squadron appeared in sight, a legion of soldiers was seen in the air, led by a Franciscan monk, wearing all the insignia of an admiral on duty, who threatened to destroy every one of us if we did not at once leave the city." Terrified beyond description at this unexpected apparition, both citizens and garrison had fled in the greatest disorder.
It was in this way that, thanks to the assistance of St. Anthony, Mondemar captured the city of Oran, without shedding a drop of blood. He at once sent a dispatch to the king, informing him of all that had taken place.
The statue, clothed with an admiral's insignia, is still to be seen at Alicant, but the miracle was only confirmed in Rome in 1770.
65. Saved from the Scaffold
A Franciscan Father, who lived at Naples in the monastery dedicated to St.Lawrence, relates the following incident that took place in that city.
One stormy night a young fisherman was sitting alone with his mother, in his little cottage close to the sea, when he heard, amid the howling of the wind, someone in great distress calling for help. He immediately went out and found a man mortally wounded, lying close to his door. The murderer had fled, but the coastguard had also heard the cries for help, and seeing the young fisherman bending over the dead man, naturally concluded he was guilty, and, despite all his protestations, he was brought before the judge and accused of murder.
His guilt was, in fact, only too evident; he had been found bending over the corpse of a man, still warm. No one else could be found in the neighborhood, and there was only his mother who could prove his innocence, what is a mother's evidence in such a case, even had she come in time?
But the poor creature was so stunned by grief on hearing the accusation against her only son, that she reached the court just before the sentence of death was pronounced on her child. On hearing which, the wretched mother, despite all the rebuffs she received from the judge, persisted in asking him to spare her child's life.
At last, weary of her importunities, and perhaps also in the hopes of getting rid of her, he informed her that if she could see the king, there was a small chance of a reprieve being obtained. Full of hope, the unhappy parent at once started upon her mission, but what appeared so easy was truly beset with difficulties. On reaching the palace she was told she must have a petition presented to the king, and who was to write that petition? When she at last succeeded in getting it done, it was far too late for her to obtain an audience of the king. Broken-hearted, she left the palace, and, as she was passing by the Church of St. Lawrence, she entered, and kneeling before the railings which separated St. Anthony's chapel from the rest of the church, she implored the saint's intercession in behalf of her unfortunate son. She would have remained there longer, had not the sacristan told her he must shut up the church, and then, in her despair, she threw her petition on his altar, crying out: "St. Anthony, St. Anthony, you must save my child." She then returned home, consoled and comforted, convinced that the saint would assist her.
It was ten o'clock in the evening, and the king, having some important work to do, had dismissed his attendants, when suddenly he heard a knock at his door and a young Franciscan monk entered. There was something so modest and prepossessing in his appearance that the king was perfectly fascinated, and received him most courteously.
"Pardon me, sire," said the priest, "for disturbing you at so late an hour, but my errand is urgent and brooks of no delay, since the life of a fellow creature depends on it."
"Speak, Brother, how can I help you?"
"Your majesty has today signed a sentence of death on a young fisherman found near the corpse of a murdered man. Although appearances are against him, I declare to you he is innocent."
"When the law has pronounced judgment," answered the king, "it is not for me to change it or to presume that the sentence is unjust."
"I can swear to the innocence of my protege," responded the monk. "All I entreat Your Majesty to do is to write the word reprieved under this petition."
The Franciscan Father uttered these words in so determined a manner, that the king, in spite of himself, took up his pen, then paused, and said: "Where do you come from?"
"From the Franciscan monastery, which bears the name of St. Lawrence."
"Even if I grant the reprieve, the young man will have been executed before it can reach the prison."
"I am well aware the time is short, but do what I ask you," replied the Franciscan, firmly, pointing to the petition. To this, the king, despite himself, acceded. The petition was signed and, after thanking his majesty, the monk disappeared. The king felt strangely impressed by this visit, and, after remaining a few minutes absorbed in thought, said to himself: "How could this man have come here at this time of night?" And sending for one of his chamberlains, he asked who had introduced the monk into the palace? But neither the chamberlains nor anyone else had seen the monk enter, and how he had done so remained a perfect mystery. The king, finding it impossible to discover who the Father was, determined to make inquiries at the convent of St. Lawrence.
The following afternoon the king, anxious to unravel the mystery of the preceding night, went to the Franciscan monastery of St. Lawrence and, summoning all the community together, asked the superior whom he had sent the night before to the palace. To his astonishment, the superior informed him he was not aware of anyone being out of the monastery the preceding night. After carefully examining the faces of the monks and not finding the one he wanted, his majesty ordered the mother of the boy to be sent for, to question her as to the person to whom she had given the petition and to while away the time inspected the monastery and then went to visit the church. After examining the different altars the king paused before the picture of St. Anthony and exclaimed, pointing it out to the superior :
"Ah! Here is the priest who came to see me last night."
"Pardon me, sire, that Father is not under my jurisdiction," replied the superior.
It may be interesting for some to know how St. Anthony finished saving the young fisherman. The day after he was condemned to death was the one appointed for his execution, and early that same morning the public prosecutor, on awaking, found lying on the table near his bedside a paper containing the free pardon of the condemned, signed by the king and dated the night before. Thinking his servant had forgotten to give it to him the preceding evening, he hastily dressed himself and not daring to trust it to anyone, for fear of it not reaching the prison authorities in time, took it himself to the jail. The surprise of the poor youth on seeing the royal official enter his cell, bringing with him not only the reprieve but also the order for him to return to his mother, can be very easily imagined.
This occurrence soon spread all over Naples, and St. Anthony of Padua was chosen to be one of the patron saints of the city.
66. A Choir Master without Employment
For some time a choirmaster had vainly sought employment in Rome and Naples to procure the bare necessaries of life for his little family. On the 13th of June they were on the verge of starvation, and the poor man, to obtain the assistance of St. Anthony, approached the holy Sacraments of Penance and of the Altar, and heard several Masses in his honor. On leaving the church a stranger came up to him, and placed sufficient money in his hands to satisfy his most pressing necessities.
But the good saint's favors did not cease here. When he came home, his wife, with a beaming countenance, told him how an unknown benefactor had sent his servant with enough food to last them several weeks; and that very day a letter came from Spoleto offering him the post of music director in the choir of the cathedral, which was, of course, accepted. The grateful family never afterward omitted to recite the antiphons in honor of the saint. The last line, Dicant Paduani, is an everlasting testimony of the wonderful manner in which St. Anthony still watches over Padua. For six hundred years he has justly been considered its patron and protector.
In every direction, churches have been built, altars erected, and pious and charitable institutions founded in his honor. The citizens are almost daily eyewitnesses of the marvelous power God has bestowed on His faithful servant. Thousands of pilgrims, from every part of the world, are constantly flocking to his shrine, either to thank him for past blessings or implore his aid. His altar is so covered with ex-votos that it has been found necessary to set a room aside to receive the treasures which his grateful clients are constantly sending to his shrine.
67. A Costly Ex Voto
The Franciscan architect, Father Valentine, a native of Worms, who built the magnificent church dedicated to St. Anthony, at Padua, related the following incident, which took place in the year 1871:
A Portuguese prince had long been wishing for a son to inherit his vast possessions. At last, after promising a present of a silver statue of the holy Child to the above-mentioned church, a son was born. Filled with gratitude, he ordered a statue of solid silver to be cast of the same weight as the infant prince. Fearing, on account of the persecution of religious houses in Italy, it might not fall into the right hands, he forwarded it to Rome, by a special escort, where it was delivered over to Pope Pius IX. His Holiness immediately sent for Father Valentine, ordering him to place it in the newly erected church of St. Anthony, at Padua, where it is still to be seen.
Few among the rich or learned of this age of incredulity and unbelief, in the pride of their hearts, place any faith in miracles. Let us not allow ourselves to be ranked among their number, but rather, like those believers in the Gospel, thank God He has given such power to men, and more especially to His faithful servant, St. Anthony.
68. The Franciscan Church of St. Anthony in the Tyrol
It has been the design of God to glorify His faithful servant, St. Anthony, by spreading his devotion, not only in Germany, France, Italy, and Spain but throughout the whole Catholic world. It is not here my intention to mention the names of the principal places where this great saint is honored, but simply to give an account of the origin of the pilgrimage to the Church of St. Anthony at Kattern in the Tyrol.
In 1638, the ruined castle of Rottenburg and grounds adjoining it were conceded to the Franciscan Fathers of the Tyrolese reformed Province, to build a monastery, which, to the great joy of the inhabitants of the neighboring country, was completed in 1643. The picture for the altar dedicated to St.Anthony of Padua was destined by divine Providence, on account of the many favors, spiritual and temporal, which the devout clients of the saint were to receive at this favored spot, to be the means of making the monastery known far and wide.
A nobleman, Christopher Ulrich von Bach, was to be the instrument chosen by God to procure this miraculous picture. He had in 1638, thanks to the protection of the saint, escaped a most dangerous plot laid by his enemies.
Filled with gratitude, he determined, at his own cost, to erect in the church of Kattern an altar dedicated to St. Anthony. It was found after the altar had been set in its proper place, that a picture of the saint was wanting. God, desirous of spreading devotion to His faithful servant, sent an unknown painter to Herr von Bach, who had just gone on a pilgrimage to Padua, to ask permission to paint a picture for him. The nobleman, being a stranger in the city, and a lover of art, gladly consented and, inspired by God, ordered a painting of St. Anthony. A few days afterwards, the artist returned, bringing with him a life-sized picture, representing the saint with two angels above his head. In his right hand, he holds a lily, the symbol of his virginal purity, and in his left book, on which the holy Child is standing. St.Anthony has a gentle but serious expression on his countenance and is clothed in the habit of the reformed Tyrolese Province. Under his feet, the spire of the church is seen.
The nobleman, finding he did not have enough money in his purse to pay the painter, left the room to get some more. To his great astonishment, on his return, the painter had disappeared, and, despite every inquiry, was nowhere to be found. This circumstance has led many to believe that the picture is the work of an angel, and they are probably right in their conjecture, for it has never been found possible to make a correct copy of it. For two hundred years St. Anthony worked so many miracles at the church at Kattern that it was impossible to inscribe them on the registers, and the walls of his chapel were so covered with ex-votos from the grateful clients of the saint that the old ones had to make room for the new. It was a common saying: "If St. Anthony will not hear you at Padua, go to Kattern; he is sure to hear you there."
