Hermitism anyone? Councels, requirements etc needed!

[SighGuy]

Ah, at Big Sur, I am guessing? Very good, I shall pray for your aid in overcoming the devil, flesh and world in your search for what God desires for you.

 

[Rosebud77]

As I originally posted the link to Raven’s Bread Ministries, I would only point out the Resources page, which “offer copies of hard-to-find documents and data about eremitical life such as” Bibliographies, Juridical Commentaries, Hermit Rules and Surveys, Articles, and Rites of Hermit Profession. Most are Christian and specifically Catholic in orientation.

Having read the newsletter for a number of years I have not seen a drift to “a buddhist way”.

I make no judgment on the former vocations of the couple who now oversee Raven’s Bread Ministries. They are carrying on the mission of the newsletter “Food for Those in Solitude, (which) was passed on to them in 1997 by the originator, Fr. Bede Jagoe, OP who had spent a number of years in eremitic solitude in India”. It has grown from supporting 200 members to 1200 members worldwide.

As SilverAvenger was said to be “discerning my vocation to be a hermit [non-canonical]”, I offered the link to Hermitary with its various articles and information from a wide range of lived experience with the eremitical life. There are an abundance of articles and reviews about the Western/Christian eremitic tradition at the Articles and Reviews tabs.

Peace

So see the latest newsletter which advocates " leaping on to the lap of the buddha". Not sure why you are so defensive; I left contact with RB and hermitary after many years because of the abandonment therein of any real connection with the Church we know and love. They have made the seeking of solitude into a near cult for its own sake rather than the means of grace and life in Jesus Christ. I live solitude in Jesus. Although I am an academic by training I set book learning aside to be with Him. I am wary indeed of those who set Jesus aside as RB do now . It is sad to see them so adrift from truth and grace. They are kind folk but astray. RC to them is just another tradition not Life and truth. So sad and sad indeed. You do not need the experience of academics to live solitude. This has been my life forty years now, non canonical and strong in Holy Mother Church.

 

[Rosebud77]

You need to start by getting a spiritual director (one who is a holy and prudent priest) to discern this with. End of story.

Easier said than done sadly in my long experience. Monastics whether priest or nun tend to be wiser.

 

[Rosebud77]

SilverAvenger; if you want to pm me that is fine. It really is so very very simple. I am not returning to this thread else but here for you, in solitude and simplicity… blessings and peace