Feast day 17th January
Patron Saint of Butchers, Cemeteries, skin diseases, “co-patron” of animals with Saint Francis of Assisi
Anthony was born an Egyptian in the year 251AD to 356AD.
The parents of Anthony died when he was only 20 years of age, leaving a large inheritance to himself and younger sister.
Going to the Lords House he heard the gospel of Matthew 19:21 “Jesus said to him, “if you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.”
Anthony boldly pursed the life of a religious hermit, inspiring many to practice asceticism throughout the Desert of Egypt.
The life of Saint Anthony was filled with temptations and attacks from the devil but overcoming all with his strong unwavering faith in Gods providence.
