Saint Anthony of Egypt

Saint Anthony of Egypt’s Story

The life of Anthony will remind many people of Saint Francis of Assisi. At 20, Anthony was so moved by the Gospel message, “Go, sell what you have, and give to [the] poor” (Mark 10:21b), that he actually did just that with his large inheritance. He is different from Francis in that most of Anthony’s life was spent in solitude. He saw the world completely covered with snares, and gave the Church and the world the witness of solitary asceticism, great personal mortification and prayer. But no saint is antisocial, and Anthony drew many people to himself for spiritual healing and guidance.

At 54, he responded to many requests and founded a sort of monastery of scattered cells. Again, like Francis, he had great fear of “stately buildings and well-laden tables.”

At 60, he hoped to be a martyr in the renewed Roman persecution of 311, fearlessly exposing himself to danger while giving moral and material support to those in prison. At 88, he was fighting the Arian heresy, that massive trauma from which it took the Church centuries to recover. “The mule kicking over the altar” denied the divinity of Christ.

Anthony died in solitude at age 105.

Categories: 

More News

The suffering in Gaza must end, says Bishop Curry

May 26, 2025

The Lead Bishop for the Holy Land for the Bishops’ Conference, Bishop Jim Curry, has echoed Pope Leo XIV’s call for an immediate ceasefire...Read more

Jubilee Celebration of Hope

May 22, 2025

Diocesan Day - Jubilee Celebration of Hope - Saturday 19 July Downside School & Abbey. Father Anthony & Deacon Steve are hoping to take...Read more

Parish App

May 13, 2025

Parish of St Osmund App

The app is primarily for mobile phone users. To access the app you first need to...Read more