Saint Anthony Kauleas

Patriarch of Constantinople (829-901)

His life

+Anthony (or Antony) was born into a noble family near Constantinople. At the age of 12 he became a monk and later served as abbot of his monastery.

+ In 893, Anthony was named Patriarch of Constantinople and he worked to heal the divisions caused by the controversial theology and policies of his predecessor Photius.

+ Anthony supported the decrees of the Fourth Ecumenical Council of Constantinople, reversing the damage caused by Photius and his followers, affirming the decrees of the Second Council of Nicea, and encouraging devotion to icons.

+ Known for his personal piety and devotion, Saint Anthony Kauleas died on February 12, 901, and is often honored as “Saint Anthony II of Constantinople.”

Spiritual bonus

On February 12, the Church also remembers the Irish poet Sedulius. We know next to nothing of his life, aside from a few autobiographical hints included in his letters. He was especially honored for his epic poem, Carmen paschale, which is a retelling of the Gospel. In his book of saints, Saint Isidore of Seville describes him as having also been a priest.

Quote

“I will look after my sheep, says the Lord, and I will appoint a shepherd to pasture them, and I, the Lord, will be their God.” Entrance Antiphon from the Common of Pastors (based on Ezekiel 34:11, 23-24)

Prayer

O God, who in blessed Anthony were pleased to provide for your Church the example of a good shepherd, mercifully grant that through his intercession we may merit an eternal place in your pastures. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

(from The Roman Missal: Common of Pastors—For a Bishop)

Saint profiles prepared by Brother Silas Henderson, S.D.S.