The Donkey Test

Short Summary: Bonovillo challenged friar Anthony of Padua to prove the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist using his mule, which, after being starved, ignored food and knelt before the consecrated host, leading to Bonovillo's conversion.

Details

Location: Rimini, Italy

Year: 1227

Prayer: nan

Verse: nan

Full Story

A man named Bonovillo debated with friar Anthony of Padua, stating that he did not believe in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. To settle the discussion, both men agreed to a challenge - that the decision be made by Bonovillo's mule! After starving his mule for three days, he brought it to the showdown event in front of a large crowd made of both believers and non believers. The friar held up a consecrated Eucharist before the animal, while Bonovillo offered it oats and hay. To the amazement of the mule's owner, it took no notice of the food, and instead knelt on its front legs in front of the sacred host. It was recorded that Bonovillo was steadfast in his integrity, and denounced his lack of faith. Other nonbelievers were said to have converted as well.

Related Miracles