Feast of St. Anthony of Egypt, Father of Monks

"Anthony lay watching, however, with unshaken soul, groaning from bodily anguish; but his mind was clear, and as in mockery he said, `If there had been any power in you, it would have sufficed had one of you come, but since the Lord hath made you weak you attempt to terrify me by numbers: and a proof of your weakness is that you take the shapes of brute beasts.' And again with boldness he said, `If you are able, and have received power against me, delay not to attack; but if you are unable, why trouble me in vain? For faith in our Lord is a seal and a wall of safety to us.' So after many attempts they gnashed their teeth upon him, because they were mocking themselves rather than him." The Life of Anthony, ch. 9, by St. Athanasius.

May the same courage to fight the good fight of faith that dwelt in St Anthony also abide among leaders of the Church who today are battling the forces of darkness in defense of the Truth. (Sassetta, St Anthony the Hermit Tortured by the Devils, 1423)