Hammer of Heretics

When we think of St. Anthony of Padua the first things that come to mind are the statues of the saint holding the Infant Jesus, the prayers made to recover lost items and the bread which is blessed on his feast day. Yet he was also a preacher against the Albigensian heresy and teacher of the sacred scriptures, who for many years concealed his intellectual gifts preferring to perform the most menial of tasks. It was only when he was asked to give a sermon at the joint ordination of some Dominicans and Franciscans, that he allowed his eloquence and knowledge to shine forth.

St. Anthony is also remembered for his defense of the Holy Eucharist, which was dramatically demonstrated when in dispute with a group of Albigensians. The leader of the heretics remained unconvinced by Anthony's arguments and demanded public proof that Jesus was present in the consecrated Host. He proposed that his mule, which had been shut up without food, should be brought after three days and a measure of oats placed before it. At the same time the saint was to bring the Blessed Sacrament and the beast made to choose between satisfying its hunger or adoring its Creator. On the third day Anthony offered Mass with great fervour, before carrying the Sacred Host to the mule and its master. In a loud voice he commanded the mule to bow before our Lord and the rest as they say is history. The mule showed no interest in the oats but fell to its knees in adoration, prompting the faithful to rejoice and the heretic to abjure his errors.

PS The picture accompanying this post shows St. Anthony with the lily of purity and the book of the Gospels, a representation which preceded the popular image of him with the Infant Jesus.