Saint Anthony the Great, also known as Saint Anthony the Abbot, was born in the middle of the third century in Egypt. Having been moved by a Bible passage that suggested offering all of his possessions to the poor, Anthony did just that and became a hermit. Over the course of his life, Anthony is said to have encountered the devil multiple times. One incident left him beaten unconscious. Nevertheless, Anthony continued his life of solitude and worship. He is the patron saint of gravediggers, basket weavers, and animals. His feast day is celebrated January 17. 

If Saint Anthony were alive today, he might be working with people addicted to drugs who are fighting their own demons.

“The truly intelligent man pursues one sole objective: to obey and conform to the God of all. With this single aim in view, he disciplines his soul, and whatever he may encounter in the course of his life, he gives thanks to God for the compass and depth of His providential ordering of all things.” — St. Anthony the Great

Questions for Reflection:

• How have you dealt with your inner struggles — defeated your own demons?
• How can you show others your support for them in their personal battles?