He stayed very young orphanaround 20 years old, and after hearing the gospel he decided retreat to the desert. Hence to San Antonio Abad (or San Antón)born around 250 in Queman (Egypt), is known as one of the ‘desert fathers‘, according to catholic tradition. The words “if you want to be perfect, go and sell everything you have and give to the poor…” guided him to his destiny. He sold everything and donated the money to the poor, he left his sister in charge of some “consecrated virgins” and dedicated himself to searching for God. Immediately afterwards, he took refuge in a grave in the mountains.

His story began to be known and soon he began to receive visits from believers who asked him for advice. Also miracles, says the aforementioned source. However, many stayed with him to follow his lifestyle. He welcomed everyone to such an extent that he chose to open his retreat. His number of followers was growing. He did not allow them more than the “austerity itself“No extravagant sacrifices. His life was marked by loneliness, fasting and work. He was orphaned at the age of 20; he donated all his possessions to the poor and retired to the desert, where he fought against the temptations of the devil, choosing the way of asceticism and prayer.

He is responsible for the constitution of groups of monks who, under the guidance of a spiritual father, consecrate themselves to the service of God. At a certain point, He decided to retire alone due to the growing fame that I was acquiring. His followers found out his location and settled down. near Mount Coltzim creating new communities. He visited them. This is how, according to evangelical tradition, Saint Anthony Abas became a reference for future monastic orders.

Why is it the patron saint of animals?

It is in this reference, materialized in the image with which it is represented, where the answer to the question is found. relationship of the saint with animals. The truth is that there are several elements linked to his career: the tau, the bell, the pig and the fireaccording to the work ‘The Hospitaller Order of Saint Anthony in Navarra‘, of Ricardo Ollaquindia.

The existence of zero at your feet has several interpretations:

  • One of the legends that circulates around Saint Anthony is that in his retreat in the desert cured a wild pig and he stayed by his side in gratitude.
  • Another theory indicates that the animal represents the devil that tempted him during his time in the desert.

On the other hand, the aforementioned source indicates that the animal played an important role in the healing work of the Hospital Order of Saint Anthonywho faced a terrible pandemic around 1085. Given the surgical work they carried out, they ended becoming a hospital. Beyond the complex operations they performed, the sick were cared for with medicinal herbs and were fed with flour, good wine and “good meat from scratchof the famous pigs of San Antonio”.

Of the same, the legend says that They used the fat of these animals to “anoint those suffering from ergotism.” Precisely for this reason, the liturgical feast of Saint Anthony, January 17, is bless the stables and the domestic animalsas can be seen in the Madrid programming.