Lentorama 2018: Second String Saints

Day 37: Paul of Thebes

Also known as Paul, the First Hermit or Paul the Anchorite. What we know of Paul comes from Saint Jerome, who writes that Paul fled to the desert to avoid persecution (thanks to his brother in law, who was trying to get Paul's inheritance), where he lived for nearly 100 years in a cave, living off of water and dates until a raven started to bring him half a loaf of bread every day.

I think we have a new fad diet to replace keto.

Anyway, once Paul died a monastery was started on the site of his cave, where his remains are kept.

Apparently, Paul was dropped from the calendar due to questions of the historical accuracy of Jerome's story. So while good PR is important, it can only get you so far.