father of monasticism

Antony, known as the father of monasticism, had lived a life of formidable austerity in the Egyptian desert.

The appellation "Father of Monasticism" is misleading, as Christian monasticism was already being practiced in the deserts of Egypt.

Venerable Anthony the Great, God-bearing father of monasticism (356)"IN Thebais, St. Anthony, abbot and spiritual guide of many monks."

In a cave here high in the desert mountains of eastern Egypt, the man said to be the father of monasticism took refuge from the temptations of the world some 17 centuries ago.

The founders of this monastery were disciples of St. Anthony the Great, widely considered to be the Father of Monasticism because he initiated Christian monastic life as we have come to understand it today.

Anthonians applies to four Catholic Religious communities or Orders and one Chaldean one, all under the patronage of St. Anthony the Hermit, father of monasticism, or professing to follow his rule.

Even before Saint Anthony the Great (the "father of monasticism") went out into the desert, there were Christians who devoted their lives to ascetic discipline and striving to lead an evangelical life (i.e., in accordance with the teachings of the Gospel).

Anthony had not been the first ascetic or hermit, but he may properly be called the "Father of Monasticism" in Christianity, as he organized his disciples into a worshipful community and inspired similar withdrawn communities throughout Egypt and, following the spread of Athanasius's hagiography, the Greek and Roman world.