[[Dear Sister Laurel, I am reading
Ponam in Deserto Viam. I went back to the beginning for a closer read and wondered if you would be willing to answer some questions as I go through this little book of guidelines? For instance, in the first chapter, the author refers to Benedictinism and then moves to a consideration of hermits in the Eastern Church. He points to the
Novelle of Justinian and says that hermits were no longer allowed unless they were dependent on a community. Then the text says it became recognized that it was necessary for hermit candidates to undergo a trial period under a spiritual abba or amma. What struck me in this was how similar what you are doing or writing about with the ecclesial nature of this vocation or the process of discernment and formation you have spoken of here is to this pattern in the Eastern and maybe the Western Church. When you speak about ecclesial vocations are you drawing on
Ponam and what happened in the East with solitary hermits? I am sure I am going to have other questions as I keep reading; are you open to answering these for me?]]
Sure, we can try to work through Ponam in this way; it would be interesting and I am sure others will have questions (and likely insights to offer) as well. I have been asked several times over the past couple of years if I would write about Ponam; probably it is a good time to do that, and even more, to ask for contributions from c 603 hermits or those in formal discernment and formation processes with their dioceses!!
What I have written about the ecclesial nature of this vocation was not drawn from
Ponam; it was a topic I first raised with Archbishop (then Bishop) Vigneron when I first met with him regarding my vocation on the Feast of the Sacred Heart in 2005. What I have written about a discernment and formation process is drawn from my own experience with c 603 and the task of writing my own Rule, but also from the example of the Desert Abbas and Ammas and, to a lesser degree, from the contemporary practice and theology of the Eastern Church --- I did not know about the novels of Justinian in the 6th Century until reading
Ponam myself, but the Western Church has similar transitions regarding solitary hermits and their relationship with the Church.
So, let me invite those who are interested, to read and contribute questions, observations, and insights into Ponam in Deserto Viam to do that. I think one way forward is for me to start by answering questions (whenever I get these) and then, over time if a true conversation eventuates, add relevant observations and insights from other readers. Suggestions are also very welcome! Please let me know if you are interested.
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