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Feast of Saint Anthony the Abbot Marked on January 17 With Devotions for Animals

Catholic outlets revisit his desert legacy as a model for early monasticism.

Overview

  • The Christian calendar today commemorates San Antón, widely venerated as the patron of animals, livestock, and pets.
  • The Egyptian hermit, known as Anthony the Great, organized early communities of ascetics and died on January 17, 356 near the Red Sea.
  • Popular tradition links him to miracles involving beasts, and art often shows him with piglets at his feet.
  • A prayer for pets attributed to ACI Prensa is being circulated for those seeking his intercession.
  • The January 17 santoral also remembers figures such as San Jenaro Sánchez, San Julián Saba, San Marcelo, Santa Roselina, San Sulpicio Pío, and the beato Gamalbert.