A portrait of St. Arsenius the Great
St. Arsenius the Great
c. 354 – c. 449
Feast
July 19 · V c.
Patron of
Tutors · Hermits · Silence · Monks
Order
Hermit / Desert Father
Roman deacon and tutor to the imperial princes Arcadius and Honorius who, around 394, abandoned the court to become a hermit in the desert of Scetis in Egypt; one of the great Desert Fathers, famous for his counsel "Flee men, be silent, pray always." Feast July 19.
Life & Times
Born: c. 354 · Died: c. 449 · From: Rome / Egypt.
Patronage
St. Arsenius the Great is invoked as the patron of tutors, hermits, silence, monks. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.
“Many times I have repented of having spoken, but never of having held my tongue.”— Apophthegmata Patrum, Arsenius 40
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About Catholic Saints
Catholic saints, including St. Arsenius the Great, are Christians whom the Catholic Church has formally recognized as having lived lifes of heroic holiness and who now dwell with God in heaven, offering an example of faith for those still on their earthly journey. Catholics don't worship saints, but ask them to pray to God with us and for us — much as one might ask a trusted friend to pray for them — trusting that those closest to God can join their voices to ours before Him. Discover more saints in the Catholic Shop Saints section.