Saint Anthony faces the wrath and violence of Ezzelino da Romano

Today we want to tell you about the meeting that took place between St. Anthony, born in 1195 in Portugal with the name of Fernando and Ezzelino da Romano, a cruel and ruthless leader.

In 1221, Saint Anthony, at the age of 26, joined the Franciscan Order and dedicated himself to itinerant preaching. During one of his travels, he met her Ezzelino da Romano, a man known for his cruelty and violence. Ezzelino was lord of Padua and Vicenza and had gained a sinister reputation for his brutality and his lust for power.

According to legend, Sant'Antonio was located in Padova when he was approached by a group of people who begged him to intervene with Ezzelino, who was persecuting their city. Saint Anthony, despite his humble and peaceful nature, decided to face the leader.

Ezzelino's reaction to St. Anthony's sermon

When the saint entered Ezzelino's residence, he was welcomed with hostility and contempt. However, she was not intimidated and with great courage, he began to preach the Gospel and to urge Ezzelino to repent of his sins and change his life.

Ezzelino, that was known for his wrath and his lack of control, yes he raged when he heard the words of Saint Anthony. However, the saint remained unmoved and continued to speak calmly and fearlessly.

At a certain point, during their meeting, Saint Anthony made an unusual gesture: took a child in his arms and blessed him. This gesture deeply affected Ezzelino, who was amazed by it kindness and by the compassion of holy.

In that moment, something changed in Ezzelino. It was as if the words of Saint Anthony and the child's gesture of blessing had touched his heart of stone and made him reflect on his life and actions.

After a few days the ruthless leader did he regretted it of his sins and tried to right the wrongs he had committed. Yes converted to the Christian faith and became a patron of the Church, using his wealth and power to build churches and monasteries. Saint Anthony, who had never given up in the face of Ezzelino's cruelty, was rewarded for his faith and courage.