St. Anthony of Egypt (also known as St. Anthony the Abbot or St. Anthony the Great) is an interesting figure, as he spent most of his life in the 3rd century as an isolated hermit, but was extremely popular both during and after his life.
In a general audience on the life of St. Athanasius, Pope Benedict XVI explained how his Life of Anthony was a "bestseller."
Why was St. Anthony so popular?
St. Anthony's popularity extended into the Middle Ages, when his biography was translated into even more languages and spread throughout Europe.
In writing his biography on St. Anthony, St. Athanasius explains why he thought St. Anthony was so popular.
During St. Anthony's life, many were drawn by his holiness, and he repeatedly tried to run away from everyone into the desert, but they found him anyway.
After his death, the Life of Anthony highlighted the extraordinary and simple holiness of this hermit. It was his life that became a driving force behind the founding of countless religious orders throughout Europe. People read his life and were astonished and inspired by such a remarkable saint.
This phenomenon proves again the power of personal witness, and how holiness of life can inspire generations of men and women who similarly feel a desire to devote their lives to God.
