St. Anthony of Lérins

St. Anthony of Lérins (c. 468 – c. 520) was born in Lower Pannonia (in the region of present-day Hungary), and orphaned young. He was placed under the care of St. Severinus of Noricum, and after that holy man's death was entrusted to relatives and teachers in Italy, being formed from childhood in piety and learning. Drawn to the ascetic life, he lived for years as a hermit in various places in northern Italy, though his growing reputation for holiness repeatedly disturbed the solitude he sought.

Seeking greater seclusion and stability, he crossed into Gaul and settled at last at the famous monastery of Lérins, where he became a monk and was esteemed for his holiness, wisdom, and gift of spiritual counsel, drawing many who sought his guidance. He was known also as a worker of healings. He died at Lérins around 520 after only a few years there, and a sermon preached in his honor by Ennodius of Pavia preserves his memory. He is venerated as a saint, a model of the contemplative life.