Saint Anthony the Great is the patron saint of monks and hermits and for protection from infectious diseases, particularly skin diseases. He is popularly known as St Anthony, the Hermit. He was born around 251 AD in Egypt, and the details about his life are from the 'Life of Anthony' by St. Athanasius of Alexandria. He was born to pious parents whom he lost at a young age. Soon after, around the age of 20, he sold his family's riches and retreated into the desert. It is believed that he was a disciple of St. Paul of Thebes. After about 15 years, he went into solitude to a mountain by the Nile.
Around 305, he started instructing and organizing the monastic life of the hermits who had joined him. He is considered one of the earliest Desert Fathers and is often addressed as the founder and father of organized Christian monasticism, though there were many ascetics before him. His book of observances is one of the first attempts to codify guidelines for monastic life. Even though his spiritual life was centered around his hermitage, he hastened to aid the suffering Christians during the Christian persecution under Maximinus in 312 AD.
When the Church was troubled by the Arian heresy, he went to Alexandria and fought to uphold the faith. His words also turned many unbelievers to Christ. Saint Athanasius says that ""his countenance had a great and wonderful grace... neither in height nor breadth was he conspicuous above others, but in the serenity of his manner and the purity of his soul."" In 356 AD, he left for his heavenly abode on January 17.
St. Anthony, you faithfully served the Lord in the solitude of the desert by fasting, prayer, humility, and good works. Obtain for us the grace to love Him with all our heart and strength. Amen."
Prepared and updated by:
Jonathan Fabian Ginunggil,
Penampang, Sabah Malaysia.
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