June 12
Onuphrius (4th century)
Hermit
Practical advice
During this day, attend first to those who need your time most and end with a brief thanksgiving.
Biography
He was a hermit who lived for many years in the desert of Thebes (Egypt). He hadn't cut his hair in many years and that's why his beard and hair reached his knees. Abbot Panfucio tells what his meeting with him was like: "Seeing him so hairy, with no other clothing than some leaves around his waist, I was afraid and wanted to flee. But Onofre called me with a soft voice and took me to his grotto. There he was talking to me about God all night. Shortly before dawn, his face suddenly changed. He told me that he was going to die and that I should please bury him. He knelt at my feet and begged me to pray with him. his last prayers, and so I did. He died during the day and I buried him.”