Although many people read the Scriptures daily, not many take its words as seriously as did Saint Anthony of Egypt. Credited with being the founder of Christian monasticism, his asceticism reminds us of the necessity of seeking holiness, no matter what our state in life is.

After the death of his parents, who left him a sizable inheritance, Anthony took to heart the words of Scripture which said, “Sell all you have and give it to the poor. Then come follow me.” Having given away his worldly goods, Anthony went into the Egyptian desert to live a life of prayer, seclusion, and holy asceticism.

After many years, he attracted a group of like-minded disciples, and developed the framework for Western monasticism as we know it today. He lived to see Christianity become the legal religion of the Roman Empire and fought against the Arian heresy that plagued the early Church.

Nearly 105 years old when he died, Saint Anthony is the patron saint of monks and butchers. His feast day is celebrated January 17.