Section 54

After some time the monks asked Antony to come down from the mountain and visit them and their dwellings. He set out with those who had come for him. A camel carried their loaves and water, because that whole desert is dry and has no drinkable water except at the mountain where Antony’s cell stood, from whose spring they had filled their supply.

During the journey their water ran out, and the heat was intense. They searched all around but found no water. At last they could walk no farther. They lay down on the ground in despair for their lives and let the camel wander away.

When the old man saw that everyone was in danger, he groaned in deep sorrow, went a short distance away, knelt down, stretched out his hands, and prayed. Immediately the Lord caused water to spring up from the place where he had been praying. They all drank and recovered their strength.

After filling their containers, they went looking for the camel and found it. Its rope had become caught on a stone and held it in place. They led it back, gave it water, loaded the water containers on its back, and completed the journey safely.

When Antony reached the outer cells, everyone greeted him as a father. He in turn, as though bringing supplies from the mountain, refreshed them with his words and shared spiritual help with them.

Once again there was joy in the mountains: zeal for progress and encouragement through their common faith. Antony himself rejoiced when he saw the seriousness of the monks and also his sister, now grown old in virginity and herself serving as a leader of other virgins.