The Eremitic Life: Encountering God in Silence and Solitude

by Cornelius Wencel

Father Cornelius Wencel, Er.Cam. was born in Gostyñ, Poland, in 1964. He made his final vows as a Camaldolese hermit in 1993 and was ordained priest in 1999. He now serves as prior and novice master at the Hermitage of the Five Martyrs in Bieniszew, Poland. Father Cornelius has published four books in Polish, and this is the first one to be translated into English. He received a doctorate in theology in 2004, successfully defending his dissertation on "The Trinitarian-Christological Perspective of Theological Anthropology in the Theodramatic of Hans Urs von Balthasar". The author profits from the insights of Balthasar, Kierkegaard, Merton, and various contemporary Polish thinkers. Topics treated in this book include seeking God, existential openness, discipline, simplicity, contemplation, interreligious dialogue, and ecology.

Genres: Spirituality

225 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2006

Reviews

[Amicizia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though most of us are not called to the eremitic (hermit) life, the reflections of a good and holy hermit are like distillations from contemplation. They are potent, best taken in small doses, yet quite relevant to us all as Christians, who would benefit from taking at least some regular time during our lives in silence, solitude, and prayer. Without a rhythm of silence and solitude, our prayer life can often be filled with the noise of distraction and anxiety, preventing us from hearing the whispers of the Lord in our hearts.

Read our full review on our blog at:
http://amiciziacristiana.blogspot.com...

[divineprisoner · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredibly profound book. It gives me similar vibes to Thomas Merton's writings. It will be a book I reread frequently, much of what was written spoke deeply to me.

[Mick Maurer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not what I had been looking for, but a decent overview of the life of a hermit/anchoress.