Saint Anthony the Abbot (356)

This was the first great Saint Anthony. His name is mentioned in the Litany of the Saints. His life was written by Saint Athanasius. It was the story of this life, told to Saint Augustine, that helped to lead to his conversion and Baptism. Saint Anthony the Abbot was greatly loved and admired by Saint Hilarion. Saint Anthony the Abbot was one hundred and five years old when he died. He is the father of all monks.

A copy by the young Michelangelo after an engraving by Martin Schongauer around 1487–9, The Torment of Saint Anthony (source)