Feast day: January 15
When did St. Paul of Thebes live: in the third century AD
Biography of St. Paul of Thebes:
Saint Paul of Thebes is also known as Paul the First Heremit. As his name says already, he was an Egyptian hermit and a good friend of St. Jerome. His parents died when he was 15 years old and at the age of 22 he retired in the desert to stop a project of his brother in law and therefore gain control over his property. During this intent, he discovered his love for the eremitical life and remained in a desert cave for the rest of his life.
Statues and wooden sculptures from Val Gardena of St. Paul of Thebes - representation, imagery and emblem: St. Paul is shown with a simple gown as a hermit and holding a cross