St. Anthony's Joy

From the June-July, 1918 issue of Manna


St. Anthony’s Joy

He knelt in study and in prayer

   In his small cell at home,

When suddenly a Child all fair

   Stood there upon the tome.


It was the little Jesus dear

   Who came to Anthony.

But why came He so very near?

    Because of purity.


St. Anthony was filled with joy;

   He opened wide his arms.

He wanted but this Holy Boy,

   He cared but for His charms.


And Jesus rested for a while

   Upon his yearning breast.--

He was repaid for every trial;

  Of balms that was the best.


But only for a moment he

   Embraced his God, his Love,

For Jesus vanished suddenly:

   He went to heaven above.


So ‘tis with us: oft Jesus lies,

   Not only in our arms,

But to our hearts He ever tries

  To bring His heavenly charms.


The Little Host which we receive

   This scene acts o’er and o’er,

When happy we with Jesus leave

   The tabernacle door.