Seeking in Solitude: A Study of Select Forms of Eremitic Life and Practice

by Bernadette McNary-Zak

Overview

Seeking in Solitude examines select forms of contemporary Roman Catholic eremitic life and practice in the United States. Given the sustained presence of, and increased interest in, the eremitic life and practice, this book responds to the question of the place of the hermit in American Catholicism in a way that neither mystifies nor mythologizes it, but rather attempts to understand it.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781606089699
Publisher:	Pickwick Publications
Publication date:	06/02/2014
Series:	Princeton Theological Monograph , #210
Pages:	160
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.35(d)

About the Author

Bernadette McNary-Zak is Associate Professor of Religious Studies at Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee.

Table of Contents

List of Illustrations vi

Preface vii

Acknowledgments ix

1 Introduction 1

2 The Threefold Good: The Camaldolese Congregation 23

3 Remembering in Silence; The American Carthusians 43

4 Contemplation in Solitude; The Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance 63

5 A Listening Presence: The Hermits of Bethlehem in the Heart of Jesus 81

6 Framing a Worldview in Solitude 103

7 Conclusion 127

Bibliography 139

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"In this informative and inspirational new book, Bernadette McNary-Zak maps and analyzes the growing religious phenomenon of eremitic life and practice in American Catholicism. She eloquently illustrates how, contrary to some popular perceptions, the eremitic option is neither selfish nor self-serving, but rather is one of solidarity through the Eucharist, prayer, and prophetic witness. This timely publication is a valuable contribution to the increased public interest in the eremitic way of life."
—Bernadette Flanagan, All Hallows College, Dublin City University, Drumcondra, Dublin

"As a part-time hermit myself, still mixed with teaching and ministry, I sincerely wish I had this wonderful resource when I was discerning my later Franciscan vocation. There is a common guilt and fear of selfishness that must be faced, and this fine study helps you see that you are a part of a long and solid tradition that was anything but selfish."
—Richard Rohr, Center for Action and Contemplation, Albuquerque, NM

"In her study of the places and spaces in which the eremitic life is lived in the United States, McNary-Zak has done us a tremendous service. Meticulously researched, Seeking in Solitude shows us the ways in which Christian communities, both ancient and modern, adapt creatively to support those called to this path. Above all, she shows that the eremitical life is not a way of being by oneself so much as an intimate call to be in solidarity with all humanity."
—Martin Laird, Villanova University, Villanova, PA

Editorial Reviews

"In this informative and inspirational new book, Bernadette McNary-Zak maps and analyzes the growing religious phenomenon of eremitic life and practice in American Catholicism. She eloquently illustrates how, contrary to some popular perceptions, the eremitic option is neither selfish nor self-serving, but rather is one of solidarity through the Eucharist, prayer, and prophetic witness. This timely publication is a valuable contribution to the increased public interest in the eremitic way of life."
—Bernadette Flanagan, All Hallows College, Dublin City University, Drumcondra, Dublin

"As a part-time hermit myself, still mixed with teaching and ministry, I sincerely wish I had this wonderful resource when I was discerning my later Franciscan vocation. There is a common guilt and fear of selfishness that must be faced, and this fine study helps you see that you are a part of a long and solid tradition that was anything but selfish."
—Richard Rohr, Center for Action and Contemplation, Albuquerque, NM

"In her study of the places and spaces in which the eremitic life is lived in the United States, McNary-Zak has done us a tremendous service. Meticulously researched, Seeking in Solitude shows us the ways in which Christian communities, both ancient and modern, adapt creatively to support those called to this path. Above all, she shows that the eremitical life is not a way of being by oneself so much as an intimate call to be in solidarity with all humanity."
—Martin Laird, Villanova University, Villanova, PA

From the Publisher