St. Anthony's Living Presence

St. Anthony’s caves aren’t just old hideouts—they’re holy places where his prayers still shine! Back in his desert days, he saw angels and beams of light in those rocky spots, like when a bright glow chased demons from his tomb. Now in heaven, Copts and Ethiopians believe he’s close by, helping those who visit his Red Sea Monastery. A Coptic story tells of a pilgrim in 2020 praying in a cave during a wild storm—thunder booming, wind roaring. Suddenly, a glowing figure with a staff appeared, and the storm stopped, as if told, “Be still!” Monks there say it was Anthony, guarding his holy place.

Ethiopian tales share similar wonders. An old story from Abba Garima says a monk in the 13th century dreamed of Anthony giving him water to cure a fever, waking up healed. Coptic tradition also tells how Anthony buried his friend St. Paul the Hermit, with two lions sent by God to dig the grave—a sign of his holy power. These stories show Anthony steps in to lift faith when it’s needed most. Kids can imagine it: a cave sparkling with light, Anthony standing tall like a desert guardian, proving he’s still praying for us with his quiet, holy shine!