The Solitary Today

“The Solitary today is not a quasi-monk or nun out of place in the world, but one who seeks solitude in the midst of, and in communion with, the world. Some live in rhythmic solitude, alternating periods of solitude with periods of greater involvement in an active ministry according to the pattern of St. Francis; others seek a more complete withdrawal.”

Elizabeth Obbard – a Carmelite solitary (or hermit) attached to Aylesford Priory in Kent, where she lives a life of prayer, solitude and closeness to the many people who come there as guests and pilgrims. She is the author of numerous books on the Christian mystical tradition: http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&field-author=Elizabeth%20Obbard&page=1&rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_27%3AElizabeth%20Obbard