Living alone in the desert meant trusting God for everything, and St. Anthony learned that in a special way when he visited St. Paul the Hermit. Around age 90, deep in his Red Sea mountain retreat, Anthony heard God whisper that an older hermit, Paul, lived even farther in the desert. Curious and humble, he set out to find him, guided through the sandy wilderness by a wolf, says Coptic tradition. When he reached Paul’s cave, the two holy men hugged like old friends, praying and sharing stories of loving Jesus.
As they sat together, a miracle happened! A Coptic story from the Synaxarium tells how two ravens swooped down, their black feathers shining, carrying a loaf of bread—twice the usual size Paul got each day. They dropped it at Paul’s feet, a special gift from God to welcome Anthony. The two saints shared the bread, thanking God for His care. Ethiopian monks love this story, saying it shows how God provides for His desert followers, like a delivery service from heaven! After Paul passed away, Anthony buried him with help from two lions—another wonder showing God’s love.
This visit wasn’t the only time Anthony connected with others. Back at his mountain, he welcomed ascetics—holy people living for God—who came to learn from him. He shared advice, prayed with them, and built a big spiritual family. For kids, it’s like Anthony and Paul having a desert picnic with Jesus, proving God never leaves His friends hungry or alone, no matter how far they roam.
Lesson 6 of 21
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