January 17
Today, we are Feasting with… Saint Anthony of Egypt.
Anthony was born into a wealthy family in Koma, Egypt, around 250 in the year of Our Lord. At age 20, Anthony was left an orphan in charge of a large property and the recipient of a vast inheritance. He could have lived a very rich and comfortable life, but instead, he chose to follow Christ’s advice to sell everything he had and follow Him.
Anthony sold his property and gave away all his wealth to the poor. He then began a hermitic life in the desert, where he remained for 13 years. During his retreat in the desert, he practiced ceaseless prayer and penance.
He then withdrew further into the wilderness to a mountain called Pispir. After 15 long years of fasting and praying at Pispir, Anthony emerged to instruct the small group of followers that had gathered for his instruction.
Anthony moved closer to town and openly received visitors. At the request of his new followers, he formed a small community of solitary cells to instruct those who wanted to imitate his holy life. Although, he occasionally retreated to Pispir for short retreats.
During the Roman Persecution of the Egyptian Christians under the rule of Emperor Diocletian, Anthony traveled to Alexandria to preach and comfort the prisoners there. Anthony even offered himself up as a martyr but was denied.
Nearing the end of his life, Anthony again left his secluded desert life to combat Arianism, a heresy that rejects the divinity of Christ. He traveled back to Alexandria to preach against the heretic Arian and was largely successful.
After defending the Church against Arianism, he retreated into the desert for the last time. He died at the impressive age of 105 on January 17. In obedience to his request, Anthony was buried in an unmarked grave next to his secluded cell.
His feast day is celebrated on January 17, and he is the patron of butchers, grave diggers, and basket weavers and is invoked against infectious skin diseases.
Saint Anthony of Egypt, pray for us!