January 15, 2021

St. Paul the Hermit (233 - 345) was orphaned by the age of 15. During the persecution of Decius in Egypt in the year 250 Paul hid in fear of the persecution in his house but later in fear that his brother-in-law might betray him, he ran to the desert to take refuge. The desert solitude in the cave convinced him to stay and live as an hermit. He drank from a spring and a nearby palm tree gave him nourishment and clothing. After 21 years of solitude, a bird began to bring him half a loaf of bread everyday. Paul prayed that the world would become a better place. St. Paul the Hermit died when he was 112 year old and legend has it that when St. Anthony buried him two lions assisted in digging up his grave.

St. Paul the Hermit help us to find peace in our life and to trust that God will provide the bread we need even when we are in the desert of our life.