Saint Anthony the Great is known as the father of monasticism. Born in Egypt in the third century, he was raised by pious Christian parents. After their deaths, he heard the parable of the rich young man in church, and decided to sell everything he had inherited and give it to the poor. He later departed to the desert to live in asceticism, and was victorious over the devil’s many temptations. A community sprang up around him, and it became the model of Christian monasticism. Saint Anthony’s life and sayings were written by Saint Anthanasius, and his words continue to inspire and challenge us today. His feast is celebrated on January 17.
Prayer:
Dear God, St. Anthony the Abbot accepted your call to renounce the world and to love you above all things. He faithfully served you in the solitude of the desert by fasting, prayer, humility and good works. In the Sign of The Cross, he triumphed over the Devil.
Through his intercession, may we learn to love you better; with all our hearts, all our souls, all our minds, all our strength and to love our neighbours as we love ourselves.
St. Anthony the Abbot, great and powerful saint, grant us our request […]. We ask this through our lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with God the Father and the Holy Spirit. One God forever and ever, Amen.
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