St. Macarius the Great
Egyptian Desert Father (c. 300-391), "the Great," founder of the Scetis monastic colony in the Wadi Natrun and one of the formative figures of Christian eremitism; pupil of St. Antony. Subject of many sayings in the Apophthegmata; the homilies attributed to him are now generally considered the work of a 4th-century Syrian ("Pseudo-Macarius"). Pre-Congregation.
Life & Times
Born: c. 300 · Died: 391 · From: Upper Egypt / Scetis Desert.
Patronage
St. Macarius the Great is invoked as the patron of monks, hermits, desert fathers. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.
“If you are calumniated, do not be agitated, but be at peace; and ask God's pardon for the one who calumniates you.”— Apophthegmata Patrum (Sayings of the Desert Fathers), Macarius 36
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About Catholic Saints
Catholic saints, including St. Macarius 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.