Saint of the Day for 17 January: St. Anthony
St. Anthony: History, Miracles and Devotion of the Lost Patron Saint
Name
St. Anthony
Title
Abbot
Birth
January 12, 251, Heraclea (Upper Egypt)
Death
Jan. 17, 356, Thebaid (Upper Egypt)
Recurrence
17 January
Martyrology
2004 edition
Prayer
O true miracle of the Anchorites, triumphant over the devil, most glorious St. Anthony, shining example of penitence and Christian fortitude, burning with zeal for the salvation of souls and charity for the sake of neighbor. You who obtain from God the special virtue of freeing the air, earth, fire and animals from every disease and every evil influence, deh! let us by a holy life imitate your heroic virtues and experience your worthwhile patronage down here on earth as well, receiving copious blessings from you on all that is needed for our nourishment and for our work on our bodies and souls. So be it.
Patron saints of
Fara Filiorum Petri, Rocca di Mezzo, Bolognano, Carunchio, Genzano di Lucania, Francica, Mottafollone, Cropalati, Sant’Antonio Abate, Agerola, Vibonati, Riardo, Galluccio, Malalbergo, Tavagnacco, Sedegliano, Pravisdomini, Bordano, Castelnuovo di Porto, Vicovaro, Mele, Dolceacqua, Borgomaro, Magliolo, Casanova Lerrone, Vasia, Sant’Angelo Lodigiano, Valmadrera, Costa Volpino, Pontoglio, Castelcovati, Pozzo d’Adda, Casnate con Bernate, Canneto sull’Oglio, Pian Camuno, Zinasco, Veniano, Linarolo, Berbenno, Ponti sul Mincio, Santa Maria Hoè, Introbio, Casto, Ello, Salvirola, Piario, Pietra de’ Giorgi, Postalesio, Olmo al Brembo, Tornata, Torre de’ Negri, Veleso, Crandola Valsassina, Vedeseta, Magasa, Parlasco , Colli Verdi, Centro Valle Intelvi, La Valletta Brianza, Castelletto sopra Ticino, Montà, Pray, Murisengo, San Bernardino Verbano, Lesegno, Toceno, Roccasparvera, Calasca-Castiglione, Camerana, Lusernetta, Priero, Montabone, Colleretto Castelnuovo, Loazzolo, Cortandone, Levice, Novoli, Rocchetta Sant’Antonio, Decimomannu, Castelsardo, Posada, Mamoiada, Desulo, Silanus, Burgos, Sant’Antonio di Gallura, Misterbianco, Aci Sant’Antonio, Camporotondo Etneo, Castrofilippo, Burgio, Montagnareale, Santa Domenica Vittoria, Fivizzano, Laives, Giovo, Ruffrè-Mendola, Valtournenche, Fontainemore, Rosà, Monteforte d’Alpone, Recoaro Terme, Costermano sul Garda, Alano di Piave, Cencenighe Agordino, Piacenza d’Adige
Protector of
Agriculture, livestock, pets, shingles (shingles), contagious diseases, plague, scurvy
Roman Martyrology
Niella Thebaid St. Anthony Abbot, who, father of many Monks, lived celebrated life and miracles; his deeds were described by St. Athanasius in a celebrated volume. His sacred body, however, under Emperor Justinian, was found by divine revelation, taken to Alexandria and buried in the church of St. John the Baptist.
The Saint and Mission
St. Anthony is a figure who has left an indelible mark on the history of Christian spirituality, not only for his miracles but also for his profound mission of faith and charity. His life was a path of constant dedication to others, characterized by boundless compassion and an unwavering commitment to spreading the Christian message. Through his preaching, he touched the hearts of many, bringing hope and consolation to those in need. St. Anthony’s mission extended beyond the teaching of Scripture; he embodied in his daily work the love and mercy he preached, becoming a tangible example of how to live the faith. His ability to listen and respond to the needs of the poorest and suffering showed a deep understanding of human essence and the importance of empathy and concrete help. St. Anthony, through his life and mission, teaches us that true holiness lies not only in great works, but also in small gestures of everyday love and goodness.
The Saint and Mercy
St. Anthony is an emblem of mercy in the Christian tradition, a figure who embodied love and compassion in every aspect of his life and ministry. His dedication to the needy and marginalized was rooted in a deep understanding of human suffering and a sincere desire to alleviate it. St. Anthony’s mercy was manifested not only through words of consolation, but especially through concrete actions. He was a beacon of hope for those in despair, a safe haven for the lost and a comfort to the afflicted. His ability to forgive and show kindness even in the most difficult circumstances reflected his deep faith in a God of love and mercy. St. Anthony taught that true mercy goes beyond the simple act of giving; it is a way of life, a constant commitment to respond with love and understanding to the needs of others. His legacy continues to inspire, reminding us that at the heart of mercy lies the true spirit of holiness.
Hagiography
Anthony was born near Heraclea (Upper Egypt) in 251 to noble, wealthy and God-fearing parents, who took great care to educate him in a Christian manner. When he was only eighteen years old he lost them, remaining the guardian of a little sister and the possessor of considerable wealth. But God’s voice was not long in coming to him; he had been an orphan for only six months, when in church he heard Jesus’ words read, “If you want to be perfect, sell all you have, and give it to the poor, so you will have treasure in heaven, then come and follow me.” Anthony took them as said to himself: he went home, distributed his wealth to the poor, reserving only a small portion for his and his sister’s maintenance. Soon afterwards having heard the other words of Jesus, “Do not trouble yourselves about tomorrow,” he gave the remainder also to the poor, placed his sister in a monastery of virgins, and himself withdrew to live a penitent life in the desert. There he endeavored to practice the virtues he saw practiced by other penitent saints, into whose cells he often went to learn from them the way of perfection. He also worked to procure food for himself, and whatever extra he earned he gave to the poor. But the devil could not endure in such a young man so much ardor for perfection, and…