Saint Anthony, you spoke of the importance of persevering in our and our practice. Help us to wake up each day with new for the and a desire to take the next challenge instead of just sitting still.

He founded a monastery and was the first Abbot to form a rule for his family of monks dedicated to divine service.  For this reason he is called the “Patriarch of Monks.” 

He worked for the church, supporting the confessors or the faith in their suffering during the persecution of Diocletian, and Saint Athanasius in his struggle against the Arians.

Lord God,

You bestowed on Saint Anthony

The grace of serving you in the wilderness

By a strange and wonderful way of life.

Grant that through his intercession

We may deny ourselves

And love you above all things.

We make our prayer through our Lord.

Amen.