Facility Tour

The Poustinia
A Hunger for Solitude...

A Hunger for Prayer...

 

The Poustinia Yesterday... A little history

  • A hermitage is a place where one may go, to find solitude and peace.
  • Although there were probably Christian solitaries before his time, a little-known Egyptian named Paul was the first to popularize the eremitic (religious recluse) way of life.
  • At the beginning of the fourth century, this life was one of the standard ways, especially in the East, in which Christian contemplation and self-denial expressed itself.
  • In the West, the rule of St. Benedict provided for the exceptional case of the ascetic who might be permitted to become a solitary.
  • In Russian, the word for hermitage is Poustinia. This word and this custom was introduced into North America by Baroness Catherine de Hueck Doherty, a modern-day contemplative.

The Poustinia Today...

  • Because of our modern technological and industrial civilization, it is increasingly difficult to find God in this world of ours.
  • The Poustinia at the Redemptorist Retreat Center is a place where God can be discovered.
  • The Poustinia can mean a truly isolated, lonely place to go as a hermit and encounter God in solitude, silence and prayer.

Accommodations...Peaceful & Comfortable

The Poustinia is furnished and equipped for comfortable but modest, independent short term living. It features:

  • Kitchenette with utensils
  • Full bathroom
  • Living room
  • Bedroom with linens
  • Heated and air-conditioned

Click here for an interior view of the Poustinia.

Click here for an exterior view of the Poustinia.

Availability

  • Limited to only one person at a time
  • Limited to those who desire to encounter God in a retreat setting in complete silence and solitude.

Reservations

Reservations required in advanced. For your convenience you may register online. For more information please call the Retreat Center at (262) 567-6900 or use the Registration link below.

 

 


Renewal, Rest and Contemplative Reflection

1800 North Timber Trail Lane
Oconomowoc, WI 53066-4897
(262) 567-6900 · Fax (262) 567-0134
Email: rrc@redemptoristretreat.org