Patron Saint - Saint Anthony the Great (A.D. 251-356)

 

Our Patron Saint, Saint Anthony the Great, is a great example of Christian piety, asceticism, and true love for his fellow men.

Here was a man who was raised by rich and noble parents, yet he found himself compelled to obey Christ’s command in Saint Matthew’s Gospel 19:21: “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.”

 

He gave up all his possessions and retired in the Egyptian desert to live a life of self-denial and solitude. While in the desert, Saint Anthony preoccupied himself with prayer and study. Before teaching himself how to read and write, it is said that he memorised most of the Sacred Scriptures simply by having other monks read God’s Work him!

 

“Learn to love humility, for it will cover all your sins. All sins are repulsive before God, but the most repulsive of all is pride of the heart. Do not consider yourself learned and wise; otherwise, all your efforts will be destroyed, and your boat will reach the harbour empty.”
Saint Anthony the Great

 

Saint Anthony the Great's feast day is celebrated on January 17th.