Madonna House in Cumbermere, Ontario was one of the ministries which was formative in the choice to set apart Noah’s Ark chapel and cabin for prayer retreats. Poustinia is a Russian term for a place and a state of being where the pilgrim goes, “where all in me is silent and where I am immersed in the silence of God.” The following quotes by Catherine de Hueck Doherty are taken from her book, Poustinia, ISBN #0-87793-083. Poustinia will introduce the retreatant to the Russian origins of poustinia, as well as encourage the modern day contemplative to find his/her own place of inner solitude.

“You have, as it were, a poustinia within you. It is as if within you there is a little log cabin in which you and Christ are very close; in this attitude you go about your business. Within yourselves you have made a room, a cabin, a secluded space. You have built it by prayer–You should be more aware of God, because you are carrying within you this utterly quiet and silent chamber. Because you have been called to listen to Him in your inner silence, you can bring Him to the street, the party, the meeting, in a very special and powerful way. He has asked you and chosen you to be the carrier of that silent poustinia within yourself.”

“A person is led into poustinia to become empty. This emptiness results in the ability to listen. The role of the poustinik is allowing himself to become silent. This means giving up your words. Folding the wings of your intellect means giving up the birthplace, the origin, the source of your own words. What for? To become merely dumb, without any speech at all? No. It is in order that the Word might take over your words. This is the reason you are silent in total solitude. It’s a strange silence in which you lay your words out on that altar so that you don’t have any more of your own words. The birthplace of your own words is now empty. The Russians say, “If you have a recollected and quiet spirit, people will gather around you when you speak. Why is this? Because you won’t be speaking; He will.”

Poustinia by Catherine de Hueck Doherty is available through the Madonna House Website: www.madonnahouse.org

The New Camoldoli Hermitage in Big Sur, California was also instrumental in the desire to create a place in nature where friends and guests might find a local getaway they could return to and feel like they were “coming home.” The cabin is close enough to town, yet imbued with some of the wonder of nature that is so important in first experiencing the Presence of God. While taking time to seek God’s will and hopefully to hear His voice of direction, the brothers and father’s at the New Camoldoli gifted their lives, prayers, and willingness to share God’s ever present help and consolation. Books and Audio Retreats from the Hermitage are available to borrow upon request. Although the cabin is set up for solitary, self directed retreats, guests are encouraged to attend local masses, church services, and to seek out a soul friend for prayer support. A list of  Books & CD Retreats recommended for purchase is available, and in person spiritual direction can be arranged by appointment.

More information about the New Camoldoli Hermitage may be found on their web site: Contemplation.com.