*** *** *** “Nourished for our healing by your Sacraments, O Lord, may we escape every snare of the enemy unharmed, just as by your grace Saint Anthony won glorious victories over the powers of darkness. Through Christ our Lord.” (Prayer After Communion/Proper of Saints, Daily Roman Missal)

— Known as the Patriarch of Monks for his influence in early Christian monasticism, St. Anthony (251-356) went into the wilderness at a young age (c. 270). He inspired many to travel to the desert to follow his way of monastic life, which led to a growing community of monks dedicated to the service of God through prayer and ascetism.