ST. ANTHONY OF PADOVA     The Miser's Funeral Sermon!

DURING 1228 Anthony was busy in the Province of Venice. It was at this time that a distinguished Florentine gentleman died and his relatives planned an elaborate funeral for the deceased. Anthony was in the neighborhood and was asked to preach the funeral sermon. Little did the mourners know what Anthony's sermon really would be.

As his text Anthony chose, "Where thy treasure is, there is thy heart, also." In the midst of his sermon, he came to an abrupt pause. Then in solemn tones, he went on, "This man is dead, and his soul is buried in hell! Go! Open his coffers, and you will find his heart!" The astonished relatives did as Anthony bade them. The treasure chest was opened. There, in the midst of all the gold pieces, was the heart of the man who, although rich in earthly treasures, had died poor in the things of heaven.

The Infant Claims His Father!

A NOBLEMAN of Ferrara was so jealous of his wife that he refused to recognize his first born child as his own. The foolish husband had no reason to doubt his wife's fidelity but he would still have nothing to do with his infant son.

In her desperation the wife and mother came to St. Anthony for help. The Saint talked to the nobleman for hours and finally succeeded in making him see the unreasonableness of his jealousy. Just then a nurse brought in the infant. In an instant, his old frame of mind returned.

Then Anthony turned to the child and said, "In the name of Jesus Christ, speak and tell who your father is!" The infant pointed to the nobleman and, in a voice of a child years older, he said, "There is my father!" With that the father broke down and took the child in his arms. Anthony had helped to save a family and a marriage.