One day, before Father Anthony had ever preached a sermon, he suddenly found himself asked to preach at a very important ceremony. He was stunned, but after a fervent prayer, he began. The sermon was marvelous. Soon Father Anthony found himself launched into his vocation of missionary preacher. He even went to France, where there were many heretics—people who had lost their faith in some of the Christian truths.One day when a certain French merchant boldly declared that he did not believe the Sacred Host was really the Body of Christ, Father Anthony made a daring proposal. After three days of not feeding his mule, the merchant would bring the animal to the marketplace. On the appointed day, as a crowd looked on, he offered it some oats—while Father Anthony held up the Blessed Sacrament and commanded the beast to adore its God. Slowly, with bowed head, the mule knelt before the Sacred Host. When word of this wonder quickly spread, thousands of heretics (including the merchant) returned to the Catholic Faith. Soon, Father Anthony was becoming famous as a great and holy preacher, converting souls all over Europe.Father Anthony’s health was now failing. One night the Christ Child appeared to him, promising, “Soon you will be with Me in Paradise.” God was pleased with Father Anthony. What did it matter that he was all worn out from serving Him. Soon Father Anthony would be in Heaven for all eternity.
