About us...

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A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song. ~Maya Angelou

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The Story Behind Heartsong Hermitage.

St. Benedict said: "Laborare est orare." (To work is to pray.) 

Ecumenical Benedictines of Heartsong Hermitage was established January 1,1996 as a place of prayer and it has remained true to that commitment.

The Hermitage and its associates continue doing the work that transforms our world while caring for the people of God and all creation.

Life at the Hermitage is guided by the ancient monastic Rule of St. Benedict, dedicated to unceasing prayer, solitude and the ascetic life.  Due to the nature of this hermitage’s life and ministry, visitors are not received within.  Heartsong Hermits lead very strict lives. It is their overriding purpose to pray for the world and the salvation of all mankind. Hermits are also spiritual warriors using prayer and discipline in order to conquer their own shortcomings. Daily prayer for the hermit averages between eight and twelve hours a day. At other times we are ministering or tending to the needs of the hermitage.

Life in Christ demands a continual listening to the spirit with a response that takes into account the times we are living. We believe God has called us together from different Christian traditions to be a living testimony to God's purpose without dogma, doctrinal, racial or socio-economic conflict, "so that all may be one..."

Living in solitude from different denominations, our unchanging focus-union with God, the living of Gospel values and the proclamation of the Gospel message. We present the Word in the living, breathing spirit of Jesus Christ.  We are Word, Sacrament and Prayer as we combine biblical teaching with spiritual wisdom.

In the past ministry has taken us to various parts of the globe in mission, preaching and teaching, from hospice to the streets and state prisons.
Always... One God.

     Tracey Christopher+, HH,  M.Div. Benedictine Hermit



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"I believe you can look at solitude, 
community and ministry as three disciplines by
which we create space for God.
If we create space in which God can act and speak,
something surpising will happen.
You and I are called to these disciplines
if we want to be disciples".
~ Henri Nouwen

"The one accustomed to prayer only
when he bends the knee prays very little."
~Abba Isaac

"The entire life of a good Christian is in fact an exercise of holy desire.
You do  not yet see what you long for,
but the very act of desiring prepares you so that when he comes. you may see and be utterly satisfied."
~St. Augustine

 

Abiah+ is an African-American hermit/anchoress of 16 years, monastic priest and the founder of a unique group of hermits since 1996 from various denominations. Members are spiritually mature women between the ages of 55 and 69. All hermits were previously sisters and nuns of a monastic community. Abiah+ in the past  served as a missionary, hospice volunteer, State prison chaplain and taught various forms of prayer. When not in seclusion she, conducts generational Eucharistic healing retreats and lectures on reconciliation, unity. and continues to serve the spiritual and sacramental needs of Heartsong Hermits. Each hermit lives on one acre of woodland.