Feastday: 17 January Born: 251 AD Death: 356 AD Patron Saint of: lost and stolen things, recovery of items, travelers, shepherds and gravediggers
Man of Deep Devotion, Who Triumphed Against The Odds
St. Anthony the Great, also known as Anthony of Egypt, was born in 251 AD in Egypt. As a young man, Anthony was deeply affected by the teachings of Christianity and the stories of the Desert Fathers, who lived a solitary and ascetic lifestyle in the Egyptian desert. He sold his family’s property and gave the money to the poor, and then withdrew into the desert to live a life of solitude and prayer.
During his time in the desert, Anthony faced many challenges and temptations, including attacks from demons and severe physical hardships. He was known for his deep devotion to God, and his intense fasting and prayer were said to have the power to move mountains. He also performed many miracles, including healing the sick and casting out demons.
Anthony’s reputation as a holy man soon spread, and many people came to him for guidance and spiritual counsel. Eventually, he emerged from the desert to teach and establish monasteries, and he is considered the father of monasticism.
Anthony’s writings and teachings are still widely read today, and his sayings and teachings often focused on the importance of humility, detachment from material possessions, and the need to keep the commandments of God.
One of his famous quote is: “The time is coming when men will go mad, and when they see someone who is not mad, they will attack him, saying, ‘You are mad; you are not like us.”
St. Anthony the Great died on January 17, 356 AD and is remembered as one of the most influential figures in early Christianity. He is the patron saint of lost and stolen articles, and is also considered the patron saint of travelers, shepherds, and gravediggers.
Quotes of St. Anthony the Great
“To say that God turns away from the sinful is like saying that the sun hides from the blind.”
“The fruits of the earth are not brought to perfection immediately, but by time, rain and care; similarly, the fruits of men ripen through ascetic practice, study, time, perseverance, self-control and patience.”
“I saw the snares that the enemy spreads out over the world and I said groaning, “What can get through from such snares?” Then I heard a voice saying to me, ‘Humility’.”
“When you lie down on your bed to sleep, remember with thanksgiving the blessings and the providence of God.”
“One should not say that it is impossible to reach a virtuous life; but one should say that it is not easy. Nor do those who have reached it find it easy to maintain.”
“A time is coming when men will go mad, and when they see someone who is not mad, they will attack him, saying, ‘You are mad; you are not like us.’ “
Fun Fact: Why Is St. Anthony the Great often depicted with a pig?
It was said that a swarm of wild pigs once tried to attack him while he was praying in the desert, but they were miraculously stopped by a voice from heaven. The pigs then became peaceful and docile and stayed with him, following him around like pets. This event is said to be a symbol of his ability to tame wild beasts and conquer the devil and his demons through his deep faith and devotion to God.
Titles of St. Anthony the Great
- Anthony of Egypt
- Anthony the Great
- Anthony the Anchorite
- Anthony of the Desert
- Anthony the Abbot
- Anthony the Hermit
- Anthony the Confessor
- Anthony of Monasticism
- Anthony the Saint
- Anthony the Elder
- Anthony the Wonderworker
- Anthony the Ascetic
- Anthony the Miracle-worker
- Anthony the Father of Monks
- Anthony the Teacher of Monks
- Anthony the Guide of Monks
- Anthony the Preacher of Monks
- Anthony the Keeper of the Desert
- Anthony the Pillar of the Church
- Anthony the Light of the World
Prayer for St. Anthony the Great’s Intercession
"Dear St. Anthony, patron saint of lost and stolen articles, I turn to you in this time of need. I humbly ask for your intercession to help me recover what has been lost or stolen from me. Through your deep faith and devotion to God, you have been known to perform many miracles, and I pray that you will use your powers to help me in my hour of need. I also ask for your guidance and protection in keeping my faith in God strong, even in the midst of this difficult situation. Help me to remember that all things, including my possessions, are temporary and that my true treasure is in heaven. I trust in your powerful intercession and I pray that through your help, I will be reunited with what has been lost or stolen, or that I may find peace in its absence. I pray that through your help, I may always remain steadfast in my faith and trust in God's will. Amen."