On January 17th we commemorate Saint Anthony. St. Anthony was a Christian monk from Egypt and is revered as a saint. He is also known as Anthony the Great, Anthony of Egypt, and Anthony of the Desert. Most importantly, he is also known as the Father of All Monks. One day after he heard a teaching about Jesus saying to the people, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasures in heaven; and come, follow Me” (Matthew 19:21), St. Anthony sold everything he owned, gave the proceeds to the poor, and left the city behind to live in the desert. He was the first to go into the wilderness (about ad 270), which contributed to his renown, for he was known as a leader among the Desert Fathers, who were Christian monks in the Egyptian desert in the 3rd and 4th centuries AD. Accounts note that Anthony endured supernatural temptation during his time in the desert of Egypt. Although he held no titles or position, his holiness marked him as one whose wisdom commanded respect. When the Synod of Nicea was convened, he was invited to participate. He instructed his followers to bury his body in an unmarked, secret grave, so his body would not become an object of veneration. The monastic rules of Saint Anthony, the “patriarch” of monastic life, have served as the basis for countless monasteries.
On this day (3rd Monday in January), we also honor the birth, life, and dream of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This is a Federal holiday. This national holiday is designated as a national day of service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities. It is a time to remember the injustices that Dr. King fought. A time to remember his fight for the freedom, equality, and dignity of all races and peoples through nonviolence.