The Miraculous Mule: Saint Anthony’s Astonishing Eucharistic Proof

The Challenge

This Eucharistic Miracle was performed by Saint Anthony of Padua after he was challenged by a certain Bonovillo to demonstrate the truth of the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. The ancient biography of Saint Anthony, L'Assidua (The Untiring), records Bonovillo's exact words: "Father! I tell you before all these people: I will believe in the Eucharist if my mule, after fasting for three days, adores the Host which you offer him rather than eating fodder which I give him." Saint Anthony accepted the challenge, confident in the power of the Eucharist.

The Miracle in Rimini

In 1227, in Rimini, Saint Anthony performed a miraculous demonstration that is still commemorated today. The church built in honor of this event stands as a testament to the miracle. This episode is also cited in Begninitas, one of the oldest sources on the life of Saint Anthony.

Saint Anthony engaged in a debate with a faithless heretic opposed to the sacrament of the Eucharist. After numerous arguments, the heretic declared, "If you, Anthony, produce a miracle and demonstrate to me that the Body of Christ is truly in Communion, I will completely renounce my heresy and immediately convert to the Catholic faith. Why don't we have a wager? I'll keep one of my beasts locked up for three days to feel the torments of hunger. Then I will bring it forth in public and show it food. You will stand in front of it with what you maintain is the Body of Christ. If the beast, leaving aside its food, hurries to adore its God, I will share the faith of your Church." Saint Anthony, inspired from above, accepted the challenge.

The Miracle Unfolds

At the chosen day and hour, the priest and heretic entered the Grand Piazza (today the Three Martyrs Piazza). Saint Anthony was followed by Catholic faithful; Bonovillo (the Catharist heretic) by his allies in unbelief. The saint held the consecrated Host in a monstrance; the heretic held his hungry mule. Saint Anthony, after requesting silence, turned to the mule and commanded, "In virtue and in the name of your Creator, whom I, unworthy as I am, hold in my hands, I tell and order you: Come forward immediately and render homage to the Lord with all due respect so that heretics and evildoers will understand that all creatures must humble themselves before their Creator whom priests hold in their hands at the altar."

Immediately, the animal, refusing the food offered by its master, docilely approached the priest. It bent its front legs before the Host and paused there reverently. True to his word, Anthony's adversary threw himself at the saint's feet, publicly denouncing his errors. From that day, he became one of the most zealous cooperators of the miracle-working saint.

Legacy

This miraculous event remains a significant testament to the power of faith and the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. The relics of this event are preserved in the church built in honor of this miracle in Rimini. The story continues to inspire and affirm the faith of many.