St. Anthony of the Desert, an early Catholic Evangelizer?

It was interesting to learn that St. Anthony of the Desert, the founder of monastic living, was also in a way, through his complete devotion to Christ, an example of an early Catholic evangelizer. It wasn't through his words, so much, that others were drawn to him, it was through his total devotion to Christ. St. Anthony chose to live a life of dedication and seclusion, but others would not leave him alone! Seekers travelled far distances out into the remote desert to be taught (evangelized) by St. Anthony.

This is a great encouragement to realize that anyone who loves the Lord can be involved in the New Evangelization. Whether in a desert, a jungle, an island, a nursing home, a hospital, a jail or simply homebound, anyone can be an evangelizer, through their complete devotion and adoration of our Lord Jesus Christ. They cannot help but radiate that divine love, and others will be drawn to them.

Pope John Paul II once expressed the importance of adoration, of the true Presence of Christ in the Sacrament, to the success of the New Evangelization.

“Contemplating more assiduously the countenance of the Incarnate Word, really present in the Sacrament, they will be able to exercise themselves in the art of prayer, and commit themselves in that high degree of the Christian life which is the indispensable condition to develop in an effective manner the New Evangelization.” ~Pope John Paul II

This contemplation,  adoration  and prayer can be done wherever you are.  The time and place are insignificant.  It is the attitudes of love and devotion that are important, and the required condition for the blessings of the New Evangelization.

So, St. Anthony though secluded, living a holy life of solitude in the desert,  became one of the first great evangelizers. And,  an example for all of us.

"After twenty years, his reputation attracted many followers who settled near him, and wished to copy his holy life. Saint Anthony became their spiritual leader, teaching them constantly by word and by example the ascetic life. From every part of the world, people came to him, even to the innermost part of the desert, seeking cures of the body, mind, and soul; and as they did at Pispir, monks came to him for his sympathy and practical advice."

Read more about the life of St. Anthony HERE.