St. Anthony the Great

St. Anthony the Great was born around 251 at Coma in Egypt, into a Christian farming family, and died around 356 in the eastern desert, reputedly at the age of about one hundred and five. As a young man, hearing in church the Gospel words 'If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor,' he took them as addressed to himself; he gave away his inheritance and withdrew into solitude to devote himself wholly to prayer, fasting, and labor.

Retreating ever deeper into the desert, he waged famous spiritual battles against temptation and the assaults of demons, emerging serene and radiant, and disciples gathered around him seeking to imitate his life. Though not the first hermit, he became the great model and inspiration of Christian monasticism, honored as the 'Father of Monks.' His life, written by his friend St. Athanasius, spread the monastic ideal throughout the Church, East and West. His feast is kept on 17 January.