Anthony reattaches the young man's foot |
Anthony was likewise concerned about those who would not hear the consoling words of forgiveness heard in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. He would normally go directly from his preaching to spending long hours in the confessional. Often he could not find a chance to take a rest or even get a bite to eat until long after the sun had set.
Anthony had the wonderful gift in his preaching of being able to challenge people to conversion without making them feel resentful.
One time a young man confessed to kicking his mother. Anthony, horrified at the lack of respect that the young man had shown his mother, told him that anyone who would kick his father or mother should have his foot cut off.
Interpreting Anthony's words literally, the young man went home and cut off his foot with an ax. Called by the man's hysterical mother, Anthony came to the young man's house. Imploring God's help, Anthony miraculously reattached the man's foot.