St. Joseph’s Workshop in Nazareth, located in St. Joseph’s Church, is traditionally venerated as the place where Joseph lived and worked, raising Jesus in simplicity and faith. Cared for by the Franciscans, it honors Joseph’s role in Jesus’ life. St. Josemaría Escrivá reflects on Joseph as a “master of interior life,” who shaped Jesus' human character through daily work and love. Jesus likely reflected Joseph’s ways in speech, behavior, and craftsmanship. The workshop symbolizes holiness in ordinary life. As Christian tradition says: "Ite ad Ioseph"—“Go to Joseph”—to find Jesus, Mary, and the path to sanctifying daily work. St. Joseph Time Period: 1st Century Feast Day: March 19 Title/Attributes: Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Location of Relic: Main Reliquary - Center Section Type of Relic: Stone from the workshop St. Joseph’s Workshop is located in Nazareth in St. Joseph’s Church. From the account of the pilgrim Arculfo (670 BC), we know that at Nazareth "two large churches were built: one in the middle of the city, founded over two arches, the place where the house in which our Savior grew up was built and the other on the site off the house where the angel Gabriel came to Blessed Mary and, finding her alone, spoke to her." In the 17th century, Father Francesco Quaresmi describes a place "that the locals call Joseph’s House and Workshop where, there was a beautiful church dedicated to Saint Joseph." The Sanctuaries in the Holy Land are taken care of by the Franciscans. You can read about the various sanctuaries here www.custodia.org/en/ In St. Joseph’s Workshop – A Homily by St. Josemaria Escriva Joseph loved Jesus as a father loves his son and showed his love by giving him the best he had. Joseph, caring for the child as he had been commanded, made Jesus a craftsman, transmitting his own professional skill to him. So the neighbours of Nazareth will call Jesus both faber and fabri filius: the craftsman and the son of the craftsman. Jesus worked in Joseph's workshop and by Joseph's side. What must Joseph have been, how grace must have worked through him, that he should be able to fulfil this task of the human upbringing of the Son of God! For Jesus must have resembled Joseph: in his way of working, in the features of his character, in his way of speaking. Jesus' realism, his eye for detail, the way he sat at table and broke bread, his preference for using everyday situations to give doctrine — all this reflects his childhood and the influence of Joseph. It's not possible to ignore this sublime mystery: Jesus who is man, who speaks with the accent of a particular district of Israel, who resembles a carpenter called Joseph, is the Son of God. And who can teach God anything? But he is also truly man and lives a normal life: first, as a child, then as a boy helping in Joseph's workshop, finally as a grown man in the prime of life. "Jesus advanced in wisdom and age and grace before God and men." In human life, Joseph was Jesus' master in their daily contact, full of refined affection, glad to deny himself to take better care of Jesus. Isn't that reason enough for us to consider this just man, this holy patriarch, in whom the faith of the old covenant bears fruit, as a master of interior life? Interior life is nothing but continual and direct conversation with Christ, so as to become one with him. And Joseph can tell us many things about Jesus. Therefore, never neglect devotion to him — Ite ad Ioseph: "Go to Joseph" — as christian tradition puts it in the words of the Old Testament. A master of interior life, a worker deeply involved in his job, God's servant in continual contact with Jesus: that is Joseph. Ite ad Ioseph. With St Joseph, the Christian learns what it means to belong to God and fully to assume one's place among men, sanctifying the world. Get to know Joseph and you will find Jesus. Talk to Joseph and you will find Mary, who always sheds peace about her in that attractive workshop in Nazareth. Text in chapter 'In Joseph's workshop' in the book 'Christ is passing by' of Josemaría Escrivá. Link: https://escriva.org/en/es-cristo-que-pasa/in-josephs-workshop/ Next Item Previous Item

The ending of a marriage is a difficult experience. Many marriages end in divorce in spite of good intentions. We are sensitive to the pain and stress a failed marital relationship brings to those involved. We are here to assist those who want to know more about how to file a petition for an annulment. Annulments The ending of a marriage is a difficult experience. Many marriages end in divorce in spite of good intentions. We are sensitive to the pain and stress a failed marital relationship brings to those involved. We are here to assist those who want to know more about how to file a petition for an annulment. 18+ years old The ending of a marriage is a difficult experience and we are sensitive to the pain and stress that a failed marital relationship brings to those involved. We are here to assist those who want to know more and those who want to file a petition for an annulment. Throughout this journey various questions will arise. I ask that you read through the FAQ’s provided and familiarize yourself with what an Annulment is. Please note…There are different types of nullity petitions. To ensure that you do not complete an incorrect petition form, you must FIRST consult with a Case Sponsor. A Case Sponsor is a priest, deacon or lay person designated by the parish who determines what type of petition you must complete and assists you in the preparation of the petition. (There is no fee associated with obtaining a petition form or for the services of a Case Sponsor.) Your Case Sponsor will guide you in the paperwork and how to answer the questions. Their job is to review the petition and help you finalize the answers so that it is ready to be signed and sent to the Tribunal. A petition will NOT be accepted without a Case Sponsor. The first step in the annulment process is to fill out the request form so we can capture your information and help determine what type of petition is needed for your case. Annulment FAQ's Annulment Meaning & Explanation Annulment Request Form What is an annulment? In order to answer this question, one must understand what marriage is in the eyes of the Catholic Church. The Church understands marriage to be a “matrimonial covenant, by which a man and woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life and which is ordered by its nature to the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring” (Canon 1055, §1). It is intended to be a faithful and permanent commitment for one’s whole life, until the death of one of the spouses (Canon 1056). Marriage may or may not be a sacrament. It is a sacrament when both spouses are baptized, whether Catholic or not. All marriages (Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, Jewish, other non-Christian, non-believer), whether a sacrament or not, are presumed to be valid. The good of all concerned, spouses, children, family members, society, the Church, demands this presumption. The Catholic Church remains faithful to the words of Jesus Christ about marriage, divorce and remarriage (Mk. 10:2-12; Lk. 16:18; Mt. 5:31-32; Mt. 19:3-11; 1 Cor. 7:10-11, 39; Rom. 7:2-3). For a fuller understanding of the teachings of marriage, please consult the Catechism of the Catholic Church, #1601-1666. Every marriage, from its beginning, is presumed to be valid. Thus, it is binding until the death of one of the spouses (1 Cor. 7:39; Rom.7:2-3). With every presumption, the opposite may be true. If sufficient evidence shows that a particular marriage is invalid, the original presumption of validity no longer holds. The quality of the spouses’ consent given at the time of the marriage ceremony is of extreme importance. If a person did not fully comprehend the nature of marriage prior to consent, or did not freely give consent, or did not intend marriage as understood by the Church (i.e., permanence, fidelity, openness to children, etc.), or was not capable of fulfilling the rights and duties of marriage, then the person entered into a relationship that lacked a key element(s) of marriage as understood by the Catholic Church. Thus when a marriage does not reflect this understanding, then it is considered “invalid” or “null.” When it can be substantiated through the nullity process that a specific marriage is invalid, then the Church can issue a “declaration of nullity,” stating the original presumption of validity from the beginning of marriage was incorrect. The Church is not declaring a new reality, but a reality that actually existed from the beginning. What is “new” is that the presumption of validity from the beginning is now declared incorrect. Does a declaration of nullity make my children illegitimate? NO. Any children born of this marriage remain as they have been: the legitimate and fruitful offspring of that marriage. Canon Law upholds this reality (Canons 1137-1138). One must always remember that children are part of God’s creation and thus are gifts from God. The term “legitimacy” refers to the paternity of the child. It is presumed in civil law and Canon Law that the husband married to the wife who bore a child is indeed the father of the child. No one nor any declaration of nullity can ever take away the paternity of a child. I am not Catholic and have no intention of becoming Catholic. Why do I have to petition? How can the Church apply its understanding of marriage on me when I am not Catholic? Most likely, you desire to marry a Catholic in the Catholic Church. It often is hard for non-Catholics to understand the necessity for this process, but the Catholic Church respects the integrity of all marriages of any kind [religious, convalidation, civil court (justice of the peace, etc.), common law, etc.]. Although a civil divorce has given you the right to marry in the civil realm, it does not grant you a similar right in the Catholic Church. Please know that becoming a Catholic is not required for this process or for marriage in the Church. The Church’s understanding of marriage is being applied to all marriages since the understanding is rooted in human nature and the nature of marriage (natural law). And Jesus’ law is rooted in that reality. The Church’s understanding of marriage is not necessarily different from other denominations and religions. What is different is the Church’s understanding is based upon Jesus’ teachings that one may not remarry after a divorce as long as the previous spouse is still living (1 Cor.7:39; Rom.7:2-3). And Jesus’ teachings apply to all people, not just Catholics. Why does a Catholic have to be married by a Catholic priest or deacon? I thought the Church respected the integrity of all marriages. What are the consequences if a Catholic is married “outside” the Catholic Church? The Catholic Church believes that a marriage involving at least one Catholic person must be witnessed by a Catholic priest or deacon. The importance of marriage and its relationship to the Catholic faith community necessitates the marriage ceremony to occur within the public worship of the Church. The Catholic Church mandates that Catholics marry following Catholic “form” (cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church, #1630-1632). There are only a few, special pastoral exceptions when a Catholic can marry in a non-Catholic environment and/or by a non-Catholic minister. But the Catholic is still required to get premarital preparation by the Catholic Church and to secure a dispensation or permission from the Catholic bishop allowing for such a marriage ceremony. Thus, if a Catholic marries “outside” the Church without a dispensation or permission from the Catholic bishop, that marriage ceremony is not considered valid, even though it is recognized in civil law. Since the Catholic Church has no jurisdiction over how two non-Catholics marry, the Catholic Church recognizes the validity of all other marriages of any kind—religious, civil court (justice of the peace, etc.), common law, etc. If a Catholic is married “outside” the Catholic Church with no dispensation or permission from the Bishop and is sharing fully in all marital relations, they are living in sin and are not able to receive the Sacraments, except in danger of death. If they later choose to marry in a way recognized by the Catholic Church (i.e. convalidation), the Catholic party would be free to receive the Sacraments. May I receive the Sacraments if I am Catholic, divorced and not remarried? May I receive the Sacraments if I am Catholic, divorced and remarried? Why does the Catholic Church punish me by not allowing me to receive the Sacraments? If you, as a Catholic, are divorced, not remarried and in a state of grace, you may continue to receive the Sacraments. Divorce itself is not a barrier to the reception of the Sacraments. If you are divorced and remarried “outside” the Catholic Church with no dispensation or permission from the Bishop and are sharing fully in all marital relations, you have taken an action that is contrary to the teachings of Christ and are living in sin (cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church, #1650). Therefore, you are not able to receive the Sacraments, except in the danger of death. The Catholic Church is not punishing you. Rather the Church is being faithful to the teachings of Jesus Christ. Although you are not able to receive the Eucharist, you still have an obligation to attend Mass faithfully every Sunday and are encouraged to participate in your parish as fully as you are able. If your marriage later becomes valid in the eyes of the Church, you may again receive the Sacraments (i.e. you receive a declaration of nullity or your former spouse dies and you contract a valid marriage in the eyes of the Church). Program Contact Mary Batey Communications & Chapel Manager mbatey@ap.church 832-482-4115 Next Item Previous Item

Catholic Daughters of the Americas® (CDA) is one of the oldest and largest organizations of Catholic women. Formed in 2015, Court St. Jane Frances de Chantal #2699 is the local charter instituted at St. Anthony of Padua. Our members, women ages 18 and older, have answered the call to say YES to make a difference through spirituality and service in the community.  Organization Grow in your Faith Are you looking to deepen your faith? There are plenty of opportunities for adults to get involved at our parish. We have Bible Studies, Community Groups, Prayer and Devotions, Classes, Retreats, Organizations, and Groups in Spanish. I Want to Volunteer Contact Us All Categories Bible Study Class Community Group Organization Devotion Retreat Catholic Daughters Various Times English Only Organization Catholic Daughters of the Americas® (CDA) is one of the oldest and largest organizations of Catholic women. Formed in 2015, Court St. Jane Frances de Chantal #2699 is the local charter instituted at St. Anthony of Padua. Our members, women ages 18 and older, have answered the call to say YES to make a difference through spirituality and service in the community. More Information Knights of Columbus Various Times English Only Organization The Knights of Columbus Council 12327 is for Catholic men, 18 years of age and older, who are committed to making their community a better place, while supporting their Church. It is through these five service areas – Faith, Community, Family, Youth and Fellowship – that we truly make a difference. More Information BACK TO ADULT FAITH - GET INVOLVED BACK TO TOP

Donor-Advised Fund A Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) is a flexible and tax-efficient way to support charitable causes. It functions as a charitable giving account that allows donors to contribute assets—such as cash or stocks—receive a tax deduction and then give to charities over time. Donor Advised Fund (DAF) A Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) is a flexible and tax-efficient way to support charitable causes. It functions as a charitable giving account that allows donors to contribute assets—such as cash, stocks, or other investments—receive an immediate tax deduction , and then recommend grants to qualified charities over time. It’s important to consider your tax situation before deciding whether to make a charitable contribution from your DAF. Be sure to share this gift plan with your advisor. How a DAF Works There are no specific age requirements to open or contribute to a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) . Make a Contribution – Donors contribute to a DAF, which is held by a sponsoring organization (such as a community foundation or financial institution). The donation is irrevocable , meaning it cannot be withdrawn for personal use. Receive Immediate Tax Benefits – Donors can claim a tax deduction in the year they contribute, even if they distribute the funds to charities in future years. Gifts must be outright, meaning they go directly to St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church. Our EIN is 76-0545136 . Distributions to donor-advised funds or life-income arrangements such as charitable remainder trusts and charitable gift annuities do not qualify. TAX BENEFITS Immediate Tax Deduction – Reduces taxable income in the year of the donation. Tax-Free Growth – Investments within the DAF grow tax-free, increasing the potential impact of charitable giving. Simplifies Giving – Consolidates charitable donations into one account, making it easier to track contributions and distribute funds. Flexibility – Allows donors to contribute in high-income years and distribute grants over time, ensuring long-term charitable support ADDITIONAL DETAILS Provide instructions on the St Anthony Fund you would like your donation applied to: General Fund Parish Endowment Food Pantry Other Have your IRA Administrator direct your donation to: St. Anthony of Padua Attn: Development 7801 Bay Branch Drive The Woodlands, TX 77382 If you would like more information about planned and tax-advantaged giving, please contact Joe Corona @ jcorona@ap.church St. Anthony of Padua encourages donors to consult their retirement plan administrator, or their tax or financial advisor to determine whether this option would be advantageous based on your individual financial and tax circumstances. Next Item Previous Item

St. Louis de Marillac was a foundress and patroness of social workers. She was born in France and later married Anthony Le Gras who unfortunately died in 1625. As a widow, she then met St. Vincent de Paul and assumed the task of directing the Ladies of Charity. In 1633, she opened her home to train workers for the poor, founding the Sisters of Charity of St. Paul, which received formal approval in 1655. Louise traveled throughout France to establish orphanages, hospitals, and other services for the poor, founding forty houses before she died on March 15. St. Louise de Marillac Time Period: 1591-1660 Feast Day: March 15 Title/Attributes: Widow, Mother, Foundress Location of Relic: Back Right Reliquary - Center Section Type of Relic: Clothing St. Louis de Marillac was a foundress and patroness of social workers. She was born in France and later married Anthony Le Gras who unfortunately died in 1625. As a widow, she then met St. Vincent de Paul and assumed the task of directing the Ladies of Charity. In 1633, she opened her home to train workers for the poor, founding the Sisters of Charity of St. Paul, which received formal approval in 1655. Louise traveled throughout France to establish orphanages, hospitals, and other services for the poor, founding forty houses before she died on March 15. Next Item Previous Item

St. Bernadette Soubirous, born in Lourdes, France, in 1844, was a poor, asthmatic girl who experienced visions of the Virgin Mary in 1858. Despite pressure from authorities, she remained steadfast. A spring emerged at the site, believed to have healing properties. On March 25, she declared Mary’s words: “I am the Immaculate Conception,” astonishing many, as this doctrine had been formally defined only in 1854. Bernadette later joined a convent in Nevers, where she endured illness until her death in 1879. Lourdes became a major pilgrimage site, drawing millions seeking spiritual and physical healing from its miraculous waters. St. Bernadette Soubirous Time Period: 1844-1879 Feast Day: April 16 Title/Attributes: Virgin, Marian Saint Location of Relic: Back Left Reliquary - Right Section Type of Relic: Hair St. Bernadette Soubirous is the famed visionary of Lourdes. She was born in Lourdes, France, on January 7, 1844, the daughter of Francis and Louise Soubirous. Bernadette, a severe asthma sufferer, lived in abject poverty. On February 11, 1858, she was granted a vision of the Blessed Virgin Mary in a cave on the banks of the Gave River near Lourdes. She was placed in considerable jeopardy when she reported the vision, and crowds gathered when she had further visits from the Virgin Mary, from February 18 of that year through March 4. The civil authorities tried to frighten Bernadette into recanting her accounts, but she remained faithful to the vision. On February 25, a spring emerged from the cave, and the waters were discovered to be of miraculous nature, capable of healing the sick and lame. On March 25, Bernadette announced that the vision of Mary stated, "I am the Immaculate Conception." This declaration was astonishing because the dogma of the Immaculate Conception had only recently been formally defined by Pope Pius IX in 1854. Bernadette, an uneducated peasant girl with no theological training, could not have known about this doctrine on her own. When she relayed this message to her parish priest and later to the bishop, it caused a sensation. The Church took this as a powerful confirmation of the Marian dogma, lending credibility to Bernadette’s visions. Her words deeply impacted Church authorities, further solidifying the belief that the visions were of divine origin. Many authorities tried to shut down the spring and delay the construction of the chapel, but the influence and fame of the visions reached Empress Eugenie of France, wife of Napoleon III, and construction went forward. Crowds gathered, free of harassment from the anticlerical and antireligious officials. In 1866, Bernadette was sent to the Sisters of Notre Dame in Nevers. There, she became a member of the community and faced some rather harsh treatment from the mistress of novices. This oppression ended when it was discovered that she suffered from a painful, incurable illness. She died in Nevers on April 16, 1879, still giving the same account of her visions. Lourdes became one of the major pilgrimage destinations in the world, and the spring has produced twenty-seven thousand gallons of water each week since emerging during Bernadette’s visions. She was not involved in the building of the shrine, as she remained hidden at Nevers. However, her unwavering faith and the miraculous events at Lourdes continue to inspire millions worldwide. There are about five million pilgrims who visit Lourdes every year. Next Item Previous Item

St. Olcese was the Bishop in Gaul (modern France) in the late fourth century and the early fifth century. Olcese fled to Italy when Gaul was invaded by Vandals. The area he fled to in Italy is known today as Sant’Olcese. He lived a prayerful life of a hermit and worked in the village converting souls and performing miracles. St. Olcese Time Period: 4th - 5th Century Feast Day: January 22 Title/Attributes: Bishop, Confessor Location of Relic: Back Right Reliquary - Right Section Type of Relic: Bones St. Olcese was the Bishop in Gaul (modern France) in the late fourth century and the early fifth century. Olcese fled to Italy when Gaul was invaded by Vandals. The area he fled to in Italy is known today as Sant’Olcese. He lived a prayerful life of a hermit and worked in the village converting souls and performing miracles. Next Item Previous Item

St. Julian of Le Mans was the first Bishop of the Christian community of Suindinum, Gual (modern Le Mans, France). Tradition states that he was a Roman nobleman. Julian performed extravagant miracles and was honored during the Middle Ages as the patron of churches in England. St. Julian of Le Mans Time Period: 3rd Century Feast Day: January 27 Title/Attributes: Bishop, Confessor Location of Relic: Back Right Reliquary - Right Section Type of Relic: Bones St. Julian of Le Mans was the first Bishop of the Christian community of Suindinum, Gual (modern Le Mans, France). Tradition states that he was a Roman nobleman. Julian performed extravagant miracles and was honored during the Middle Ages as the patron of churches in England. Next Item Previous Item

St. Columba of Córdoba was a Spanish virgin and martyr renowned for her courage and holiness. Born in Andalusia, she was drawn to a life of prayer and asceticism, joining her sister Elizabeth in the double monastery of Tábanos. Known for her wisdom, humility, and devotion, Columba became widely admired for her sanctity. During Moorish persecution, she left her convent, publicly professed her Christian faith before the judge and council, and was beheaded outside the palace gates. Her body, miraculously preserved, was later buried in the Basilica of St. Eulalia. The relic is from the bones of St. Columba. St. Columba Time Period: d. 853 Feast Day: September 17 Title/Attributes: Virgin, Martyr Location of Relic: Back Left Reliquary - Center Section Type of Relic: Bones St. Columba of Córdoba was a Spanish virgin and martyr renowned for her courage and holiness. Born in Andalusia, she was drawn to a life of prayer and asceticism, joining her sister Elizabeth in the double monastery of Tábanos. Known for her wisdom, humility, and devotion, Columba became widely admired for her sanctity. During Moorish persecution, she left her convent, publicly professed her Christian faith before the judge and council, and was beheaded outside the palace gates. Her body, miraculously preserved, was later buried in the Basilica of St. Eulalia. The relic is from the bones of St. Columba. Next Item Previous Item

Saint Anthony of the Desert had a singular purpose – become a “lover of God” by resisting the Devil and yielding to Christ. He is a mysterious figure, with nearly everything we know about him coming from a biography written by Saint Athanasius. But what we do know is that he spent most of his days in solitude- living in the desert as a hermit – while occasionally traveling into cities to defend Christians from Roman persecution or spreading heresy. Anthony was extremely devoted to the Lord, and his ascetic lifestyle inspired many to devote themselves as well. His feast day is January 17th. St. Anthony of the Desert Time Period: 250-356 Feast Day: January 17 Title/Attributes: Abbott, Hermit Location of Relic: Back Right Reliquary - Left Section Type of Relic: Bones Saint Anthony of the Desert went by many names (St. Anthony of Egypt, St. Anthony the Great, St. Anthony Abbot, and more) but had a singular purpose – become a “lover of God” by resisting the Devil and yielding to Christ. He is a mysterious figure, with nearly everything we know about him coming from a biography written by Saint Athanasius titled “The Life of Saint Anthony the Great.” But what we do know about him, is inspiring in our current day and age. Anthony was born around 250 A.D. in the village of Coma, located in Lower Egypt to an extremely wealthy family. His parents owned three hundred acres of land, which Anthony inherited around the age of 20 when his parents died, leaving him with vast wealth and the care of his unmarried sister. One day while attending Mass though, a reading from the Gospel of Matthew changed everything for the future Father of All Monks. “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasures in heaven.” – Matthew 19:21 While most would balk at the prospect of living out those words to their fullest, Anthony decided to do just that around the year 285: he gave away some of the inherited land to his neighbors, sold the remaining property, and donated all of the funds to the poor. Placing his sister in the care of a group of Christian virgins, he left the city and entered the desert. Anthony was not the first monk or ascetic hermit, but he was notable for being one of the first to truly cut himself off from civilization. While most monastics chose to practice their lifestyle on the outskirts of cities, Anthony decided to head into the desert region called the Nitra, which was about 95 km west of Alexandria and filled with some of the most rugged terrain that could be found. According to Athanasius’ biography, Anthony remained in this area for 15 years, practicing a strict ascetic diet of only bread, salt and water, eating at most only once a day. He took up strenuous spiritual exercises, such as staying up all night, choosing sleepless nights of prayer over a restful night of sleep. He had discovered, as written in his biography, that “the mind of the soul is strong when the pleasures of the body are weak.” Trial would soon arrive at Anthony’s doorstep, as the devil perceived the strength of this ascetic monk. Anthony, who had walled himself into a ruin in order to devote himself fully and perfectly to the Lord, was afflicted with boredom, laziness and even the phantoms of women as the devil attempted to break his focus. Anthony combatted these afflictions with the power of prayer, which would eventually form a theme for future Christian art. Saint Anthony being assailed by demons became a popular subject in the history of art and literature in the 15th Century. The earliest depiction of him being attacked by demons can be traced to a wall painting in the atrium of Santa Maria Antiqua, a Catholic Church in Italy, from the 10th Century. Perhaps the most famous depiction was an engraving by Martin Schongauer titled “The Temptation of St. Anthony”, which Michelangelo would later use to paint one of his earliest known paintings, “The Torment of Saint Anthony.” The calmness of Saint Anthony depicted in the artwork is hard to believe when reading the torments he endured, as recounted by Athanasius. The demons would assault him furiously, both physically and spiritually, but Anthony endured the attacks. Despite being beaten to the point of unconsciousness, phantoms appearing in the form of horrid wild beasts, and repeated attacks, he persevered. When he would see the wolves, lions, snakes and scorpions gathering in an attempt to attack, he would laugh at them scornfully and say, “If any of you have any authority over me, only one would have been sufficient to fight me.” At the age of 35, he wished to retreat to absolute solitude and relocated to an abandoned Roman fort for another 20 years of ardent prayer. Food was thrown to him over the wall, and he would not allow anyone to enter, but word of his devotion to the Lord spread, and gradually a number of would-be disciples would come to the wall to listen to his advice. As the number of followers grew to the nearby caves and huts around the mountain, many begged Anthony to come out and be a guide for those wishing to imitate his spiritual life. Finally, around the year 305, Anthony emerged from his retreat. By this time, after decades of solitude, most expected him to have wasted away physically or been driven insane mentally, but who would emerge but a perfectly healthy and serene Anthony of the Desert, clothed in sackcloth and sheepskin but rippling with muscle. Rejuvenated, he continued his mission to serve the Lord, even as his legend grew. He would soon found two monasteries for the great body of monks which had formed, and he wrote a rule of life in order to help guide them in the path of ascetism. These were reportedly the first monasteries ever founded, which led to the namesake “Father of All Monks”, despite the fact Anthony himself was not in fact, the first monk to exist. Anthony is noted for not allowing the attention or number of followers distract him from remaining solely focused on the Lord, both in his own personal life, and in the monasteries he was founding. It is written he had a disdain for “stately buildings and well-laden tables”, so all of his efforts were rooted in a focus on Christ alone. After his time guiding those seeking to practice self-denial and the hermetic life, he focused his efforts on aiding the Church amidst the persecution of Egyptian Christians in the early 300’s. Word had spread to Anthony of the severe attacks by the Roman Emperor Diocletian, in which churches were razed, scriptures burned, and Christians martyred. He and several monks traveled to Alexandria, where they ministered to the persecuted. The Governor of Alexandria is reported to have ordered Anthony not to show up in the city and continue to comfort those imprisoned, but Anthony, in hopes that he would be tortured and martyred, refused. He was 60 years old at the time, and fearlessly exposing himself to danger in hopes of being an ultimate witness to the faith. He spent the majority of his remaining years returning to solitude in order to pray, as well as share teachings with those who traveled to hear him. Occasionally, he would grow tired of visitors keeping him from his worship, so he eventually went further into the Eastern Desert of Egypt, finding a spring of water and palm trees. He created an inner monastery there, where he would often retreat to following trips to the desert to visit the brethren of monks. On the spot where he settled amid the palm trees now stands the Monastery of Saint Anthony the Great. He traveled out of his desert solitude only one additional time, around the year 338 when the Arian heresy began spreading in Egypt. The former deacon Arius began swaying many Egyptian Christians with his teachings about how Jesus was not equal with God, and the leader of the church in Alexandria, Athanasius himself, called upon Anthony to join him in a campaign to champion the truth to the people of Egypt. The future saint provided an eloquent defense of the belief as Jesus being true God and true Man, which led to the eventual elimination of Arianism. Anthony would live to be over 100 years old, but still miraculously maintain the appearance of youth. Eventually, Anthony felt that the day of his departure was nearing. He commanded his disciples with strict instructions to give away his possessions (which consisted of a staff and two sheepskin cloaks) and to bury his body in an unmarked, secret grave, lest his body become an object of veneration. He died around the year 356. He was 105 years old. Saint Anthony was canonized Pre-Congregation and left no physical writings behind. A handful of his words are included in the Apophthegmata, a collection of sayings attributed to the early desert fathers and mothers, but he most likely only spoke his native language of Coptic, and almost certainly was illiterate. But through the life of Saint Anthony of the Desert, we discover a great, divine paradox. He hardly ate, yet remained in perfect health. He grew extremely old, yet retained the appearance of youth. He lived in extreme isolation, yet grew agonizingly popular. He possessed so little, yet continually gave so much. Saint Anthony, devoted to the Lord, persevering against afflictions, and emboldened in faith, was aware of his shortcomings, but rooted himself in what he knew to be his ultimate strength. When two Greek philosophers traveled to speak with Anthony, he questioned why they “wished to meet with a fool.” They replied that they viewed him as no fool, but wise and prudent. In response, Anthony said: “If you think me prudent, become as I am, for we ought to imitate what is good. And if I had come to you, I should have imitated you; but if you to me, become as I am, for I am a Christian.” While those philosophers departed in silence, having no desire to be converted, may we have our hearts and lives converted by Saint Anthony the Great. Next Item Previous Item