Who Was St. Anthony?

A Rich Kid's Big Choice

St. Anthony’s story begins in a cozy village called Coma in Upper Egypt, around 251 AD. Born to wealthy Christian parents, he grew up in a home filled with comfort—think sprawling fields, hundreds of acres of crops, and plenty of riches. He was about 20 when everything changed. One day, he walked into church, expecting a normal Sunday, when the words of Jesus struck him like a thunderbolt: “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven” (Matthew 19:21). To Anthony, this was a personal call from God, clear as day.

So, he made a bold move. He went home, gathered his inheritance—land, treasures, all of it—and started giving it away. He shared fields with villagers, sold his fancy belongings, and gave the money to the poor, keeping just enough to care for his little sister. A Coptic story says he paused by the Nile, watching boats drift by, and whispered, “This world’s not my home.” That choice wasn’t easy—imagine trading feasts for bread and prayer!—but it set his heart free. From that moment, Anthony wasn’t just a rich kid; he was a young man chasing heaven, ready to give up everything for a treasure no one could steal.

His decision surprised his neighbors, but it started something huge. Anthony’s choice wasn’t just for him—it began a new way of living for God, one that would spread across deserts and centuries. For kids today, he’s proof that listening to Jesus can change your whole world, even if it means letting go of what feels safe.

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