PATRON SAINT OF: Against pestilence, amputees, animals, basket makers, basket weavers, brushmakers, butchers, cemetery workers, domestic animals, eczema, epilepsy, epileptics, ergotism (Saint Anthony's fire), erysipelas, gravediggers, graveyards, hermits, hogs, Hospitallers, monks, pigs, relief from pestilence, skin diseases, skin rashes, swine, swineherds

GUIDANCE: Two Greek philosophers went out into the Egyptian desert to a mountain where Anthony lived. When they arrived, Anthony asked them why they had come to talk to such a foolish man? Because what they saw before them was a man who wore a skin, who refused to bathe, who lived on bread and water. Since they were Greek, they were from the world's most admired civilization; and Anthony was Egyptian, a member of a conquered nation. Since they were philosophers; they were educated in languages and rhetoric and Anthony had not even attended school as a boy. Further he required an interpreter to speak to them. Their visit seemed rather foolish to Anthony.

The Greek philosophers had heard the stories of Anthony and how disciples came from all over to learn from him. They also heard how his intercession had brought miraculous healings and how his words comforted those who suffered. They came to him because he was a wise man. When he died he requested to be buried in the mountain cell he lived in without embalming and believed Christ would receive him in a incorrupt state.

FEAST DAY: January 17

SAMPLE AFFIRMATIONS: In my silence, I hear the Voice of God speak to me . . . Through diligent prayer and meditation, I AM clear about my life's path . . . I listen to the Voice within me and follow the Leader.

SAMPLE PRAYER: Father, St. Anthony the Abbot lived a life of serving You. Through his life's work, help me to practice self-denial and above all, to serve You in a way that assumes the Divine Plan that You have chosen for me. Please help me become more devoted to silence, prayer and meditation so that I can hear You direct me toward my life's work.

Through Jesus Christ's Precious, Pure and Holy name I pray. - Amen

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