The intercession of Saint Anthony who made a mule kneel before the Eucharist
In Philippians 2:10 it is written that every knee to the name of Jesus had bowed in heaven, on earth, and under the earth. And all the same, including the animals created by God! One proof of this was the intercession of St. Anthony who commanded a mule to kneel before the Eucharist: Jesus alive in flesh and blood. Read next about this Eucharistic Miracle.
Friar Antônio was in a region where the conceptions of heresies against the church progressed. In one of his preaching and evangelizations, he entered into a debate with a heretic, who doubted the presence of Christ in the Eucharist. After much debate, the latter then launched a challenge to the friar: he wanted the priest to present before all present a proof of God's real presence in the Eucharist. If this were to occur, the subject was ready to renounce his heresy and serve the Catholic faith. Immediately the friar accepted the challenge!
Heretic continued: I will bring a mule of mine who likes hay from the field as a meal. I'll leave you without food for three days and then bring you to this square. If the animal refuses the hay it likes so much that I will offer at the moment and bows to its God who you say is present in the Eucharist as well as should be worshipped by every creature, I will believe and convert to the teachings of the Catholic Church!
The day was marked for the test to be held there in that same square. When the time came, heretics and Christians cined on the spot. The mule was starved to death pulled by its owner, with a partner bringing his favorite food. Friar Antônio prayed a Mass moments before and at the end left with the chalice where the consecrated Hosties were and asked for silence from all.
He begins to speak loudly to the animal by saying that by the virtues of the power of its Creator, who even unworthily holds Him in a real presence in his hands, he should come quickly to bow down with humility before the Blessed Sacrament, paying homage to him. that every priest has the honor of making him walk down the aisle and be in his hands".
The heretic encourages the mule to eat the hay he loved so much. The animal does not waver for a second, heading up to the chalice with the Host, leaning and bending its knees before the Eucharist in worship
All unbelievers present in the square are in great confusion and the Christians in celebration. The heretic who launched the challenge keeps what he said and converts the Catholic faith.
READ OR SEE MORE about this Eucharistic miracle and the life of St. Anthony in the references that underpind this following text.
References:
FREI GALVÃO TV. St. Anthony - The Eucharist and the Mule - Frei Galvão Shrine
FÉ COM VIRTUDES. Miracle of the Mule of St. Anthony
TRADIÇÃO CATÓLICA DEO GRATIAS. Saint Anthony and the Great Miracle of the Mule
ÚLTIMAS E DERRADEIRAS GRAÇAS. Saint Anthony of Padua "Hammer of heretics".