St. Anthony of Padua, the most celebrated preacher of the early Franciscan order, died near Padua on June 13, 1231, at the age of 35. Thirty-two years later, in 1263, his relics were transferred to a new basilica in his name.
St. Bonaventure, then Minister General of the Franciscans, presided over the translation. When the casket was opened, the body had returned to dust — except for the tongue, the lower jaw, and the vocal cords, which were found intact and red as in life. Bonaventure lifted the tongue in his hands and is reported to have cried out: 'O blessed tongue, that always praised the Lord and led others to praise Him: now it appears how great were your merits before God!'
The relic is still venerated in the Basilica of St. Anthony in Padua, one of the most visited Catholic pilgrimage sites in Europe.