Saint Anthony, Abbot. Memorial January 17
From Fr Lawrence Lew, O.P., the photographer: "This outstanding father of all monks was born in Egypt about the year 250. After the death of his parents he gave his worldly goods to the poor and went into the desert to live a life of penance. Many became his followers. He worked for the Church, supporting the confessors of the faith in their suffering during the persecution of Diocletian, and St Athanasius in his struggle against the Arians. He died in the year 356.
"This medieval painting of the saint is in Burgos Cathedral, [
Burgos Spain] where he is shown with the Tau-shaped cross, sometimes called St Antony's cross, and the bell for attracting alms. Although, what I particularly like, are what look like curlers in his hair!
"
Source
(some use restrictions, used with permission).