Today, March 27, we remember San Juan de Egypt, also known as Juan El Anacoreta or Juan el Eremita. This saint lived in the fourth century, most of the time, in the desert of Nitria. This place, located in a hill a few kilometers south of Alexandria, is recognized as one of the first Christian monastic centers in Egypt, abundant in fruits of holiness.
God granted John the gift of prophecy, of the advice and the power to cure diseases. He enjoyed great reputation in life and, therefore, was consulted by emperors -he is said to prophesy a victory to Theodosius El Grande -, political and religious figures; Some of the Church’s parents such as San Jerónimo and San Agustín even went to him. The latter wrote about him and constitutes one of the safest sources to know him.
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Flower in the middle of the desert
San Juan el Eremita was born around the year 305 in Tebaida, Licópolis -razón for which she is also called ‘Juan de Licópolis’-. There he learned the office of Carpenter, who was dedicated during his youth. With only 25 years he decided to give up worldly life to devote himself to prayer and meditation, far from the temptations of the city. He then put himself under the guidance of an old Nitria desert Anacoreta who, over ten years, exercised him in obedience and the resignation of himself.
A voice of the past that resonates today
The Saint thus learned to obey, without complaining, with humility, even though many of the orders he received seemed irrational. In ancient times they used to repeat sobering stories around him, many of them very striking as disconcerting: it is said, for example, that he cultivated a garden full of dead trees or rods of wood.
The exemplary character of these stories is focused on their patience and attitude of obedience -two virtues that we appreciate very little and we do not understand correctly. Whatever the task imposed on him, San Juan de Egypt responded with constancy and firmness. When his teacher died, Juan retired to the summit of a steep hill, where he built his cell. There he remained until the end of his days, living almost in total isolation. I only received some people to give them advice or spiritual assistance.
A life made incessant conversation with God
It is said that he managed to remain in prayer during all hours of the vigil. Tradition especially underlines that aspect, because it constitutes an excellent inspiration for every Christian who wants to make his time always made for God, an authentic offering of love.
On the other hand, Juan inspired many other later monks and mystics. He fed only with nuts and vegetables for almost 50 years; In addition, he inhabited three cells that he himself built: one to sleep, another with only one window to serve occasional visitors and another to pray.
San Juan de Egypt died at 90. When they found their body, it was rigid, in prayer position. Today he is considered the ‘father of all ascetics’.
Did you know that not all forms of asceticism leads to God? Do you want to know more about anacoretas or eremitas? We suggest that you read these articles of the Catholic Encyclopedia:
https://ec.aciprensa.com/wiki/Anacoretas
https://ec.aciprensa.com/wiki/Ascetismo
Central writing
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