St. Anthony of the Desert

St. Anthony of the Desert (c. 251–356), a religious hermit and monk, is known as the founder of Western Monasticism. His rule of order was one of the first to create guidelines for monastic living.

Saint Anthony was born in the year 251, in Upper Egypt to wealthy parents, and when they died, he inherited their possessions. He had a desire to imitate the life of the Apostles and the early Christians, Upon hearing at Mass the words, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor,” he gave away all his vast possessions — staying only to see that his sister’s education was completed — and retired into total solitude on a desert mountain near the Nile River. He then begged an aged hermit to teach him the spiritual life, and he also visited various hermitages, to examine them and to copy the principal virtue of each. In the desert, he overcame extreme temptations of the devil, and in 305 emerged from total seclusion to instruct nearby hermits in the ways of monasticism.

A beautiful glow emanated from his face, which reflected his inner peace. He demonstrated the power of Christ to touch lives by healing the sick, providing spiritual guidance, casting out demons, and preaching. Many were attracted to monasticism by his example.

Athanasius's Life of Antony perpetuated his story and inspired many monks who civilized and evangelized Europe and the Near East.With the end of Christian persecution in 313, Anthony established a monastery between the Nile and the Red Sea, which is still in existence today.