This third century Egyptian saint is regarded as the father of cenobitic monasticism – that is, monasticism lived in common with others, as opposed to the eremitical or hermit life.

Pachomius said: ‘It is patience that reveals every grace to you, and it is through patience that the saints received all that was promised to them’.

Let us pray that we may learn this virtue of steadfastness under every trial; no doubt there will be, and are, many challenges that each of us has to bear. God in His Love wishes us to grow through them. May He bless each one of us this day.