Devout Seclusion
But the report concerning him spread much more, and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by him of their infirmities. But he withdrew himself into the desert, and prayed. —Luke 5:15-16 Around A.D. 275, following the death of his wealthy parents, a young man named Anthony gave all his family wealth to the poor, consigned his unmarried sister to a Christian community, and began a life of devout seclusion. He eventually attracted disciples which he organized into a community. And while Saint Anthony of Egypt was not the first Christian hermit, he became known as the "Father of Monasticism," and was the inspiration for similar communities. Monasticism is a religious way of life in which one renounces worldly pursuits to devote themself fully to spiritual work. Many monastics live in monasteries to separate themselves from the secular world. The Christian monk embraces the monastic life as a vocation for God. His goal is to attain eternal life in God’s presence...