Saint Anthony, Abbot

Saint Anthony the Abbot is sometimes called Saint Anthony of Egypt or Saint Anthony the Great. He was inspired by the Gospels to sell all his possessions and live in solitude in the Egyptian desert. Most of his life was spent in seclusion, but he also drew many people to him who sought spiritual healing and guidance. In art, Saint Anthony is associated with a T-shaped cross, a pig, and a book. The pig and the cross are symbols of his valiant warfare with the devil—the cross his constant means of power over evil spirits, the pig a symbol of the devil himself. The book recalls his preference for “the book of nature” over the printed word. Anthony died in solitude at age 105. Saint Anthony of Egypt is the patron saint of butchers, gravediggers, and skin diseases. Saint Anthony, Abbot, pray for us.