St. Sabas
Abbot and Founder of the Great Lavra
Feast Day: December 5
Biography
St. Sabas (439–532) was born in Mutalaska, in Cappadocia, in present-day Türkiye. After a troubled childhood caused by family disputes, he entered a monastery as a boy. At about eighteen he traveled to Jerusalem and placed himself under the guidance of the great desert monks of Palestine, including St. Euthymius. After years of prayer and solitude, he settled in a cave above the Kidron Valley, southeast of Jerusalem. Disciples gathered around him, and in 483 he founded a lavra, a community of monks living in separate cells who met for common worship. Known as the Great Lavra, it is now the monastery of Mar Saba, one of the oldest continuously inhabited monasteries in the world. In 492 the patriarch of Jerusalem appointed him leader of the hermits and lavra monks of the region. He founded several other monasteries and hostels for pilgrims, and he patiently endured opposition from some of his own monks. Sabas was a firm defender of the Council of Chalcedon and its teaching on Christ's two natures, and he traveled twice to Constantinople to plead with emperors for the Church and the people of Palestine, the second time at over ninety years of age. He died at the Lavra on December 5, 532. His life was written by Cyril of Scythopolis, a monk who knew his disciples.
Patronages
Symbols
Prayer
St. Sabas, lover of prayer and father of monks, you sought God in the silence of the desert and guided others with patience. Pray for all who live the consecrated life. Help me to make room for God in the midst of my busy days, to bear patiently with others, and to hold fast to the true faith. Amen.
Asking for Intercession
Catholics ask saints to pray with us and for us, as we ask friends on earth. St. Sabas, who lives in God's presence, intercedes before His throne. Speak from your heart: “St. Sabas, please pray for me…” You may also pray the prayer above or include this intention in your Rosary.