St. Anthony of Padua, one of the earliest followers of St. Francis, was famous for his skill in preaching. The following story was recorded in "The Little Flowers of St. Francis" - a collection of true stories and miracles from the lives of some of the first Franciscans. It is an example of how Anthony, like many of the saints, was blessed with a great zeal for the conversion of souls - especially those lost in heresy.

On one occasion, Anthony went to Rimini, a town filled with heretics. For many days, he preached to them about the truths of the Catholic Faith. But the stubborn heretics were set in their ways. So, as time passed, they refused to even listen to his intelligent arguments against their erroneous beliefs. They had hardened their hearts against the Truth.

St. Anthony could see that he was getting nowhere with these people. It was depressing to see all these people reject the good God, Who loved them so much that He had created and redeemed them.

One day, the Saint was again inspired to preach to God’s creatures. This time, however, it was not to the people of Rimini. Anthony walked out of the town, and up to the bank of a nearby river.
Standing on the bank, he called out from the depths of his heart,

"Hear the word of God, you fishes of the sea and of the river, since the corrupt heretics refuse to hear it!"

His fervent call echoed on the still waters of the river. For a moment all was still …soon the sound of lapping water filled the air as the river was covered with ripples. Then, from below the surface, emerged the heads of fishes - many fishes - small, large, and middle-sized, much more than had ever been seen in those seas, or that river!

They all, as one group, swam towards the beach and settled before Anthony. They were arranged in perfect order. For in front of him and closest to the bank were the smallest fishes; and beyond them were those of middle size; and then behind, where the water was deepest, were the largest fishes.

And all held their heads out of the water in such peace and gentleness; all were intent on the words of the Saint.

Looking at the vast audience of fishes, the saint solemnly began to preach in the following words,

"You fishes, my brothers, you are very bound to thank God our Creator, in whatever ways you can. For He has given you so wonderful an element to live in - for at your pleasure you have waters, sweet and salt. And He has given you many places of refuge to shelter you from the tempests. He has also given you a pure and clear element, and food from which you can live.

"God, your generous and kind Creator, commanded you to increase and multiply when He first created you. And He gave you His blessing. Then, in the universal flood and when all other animals were perishing, God preserved you alone from harm. Moreover, He has given you fins that you may go wherever you want.

"By commandment of God, you preserved Jonah the prophet, and after the third day to cast him forth on dry land, safe and whole. You also offered the tribute money to Christ our Lord - to Him Who did not have the means to pay.

"You, by a rare mystery, were the food of the eternal King, Christ Jesus, before the resurrection and after. For all those many things, you are bound to praise and bless God, Who has given you blessings so manifold and so great."

At these and similar words from St. Anthony, the fishes began to open their mouths and bow their heads. This was how they gave praise to God. Anthony rejoiced to see the fishes filled with such reverence towards God their Creator. He then said with a loud voice,

"Blessed be God eternal, since the fishes honor Him more than heretics do; and creatures without reason hear His word better than infidel men."

The longer the Saint preached, the more fishes came. And none of the fishes who had first come left their place.

Soon, the people of the city began to hurry to see this miracle. Among others, the obstinate people of Rimini also came. When these poor heretics saw such an incredible and undeniable miracle, their hearts were touched by grace. They threw themselves at the Saint's feet to hear his words.

He gladly began again to preach the Catholic Faith; but this time, to a willing human audience. Before the day was out, all of the heretics were converted. And these heretics were not the only ones to benefit by what he had to say. Catholics too, had come to see the miracle. And by his words, they were filled with comfort, joy, and strength in their Faith.

When St. Anthony was done preaching, he dismissed the fishes with God's blessing. All the fishes departed with wondrous signs of gladness. The people stayed to watch this spectacle of the fishes leaving. Then the people went back to their own homes, filled with a happiness they never thought they could know.

After this miracle, St. Anthony stayed in Rimini for a long time, preaching and gathering much spiritual fruit... namely souls for Christ.