Hermit

A hermit is one who pursues the eremitic life. Hermits do not necessarily profess the three evangelical counsels publicly in a religious institute. Instead, they devote their lives to the praise of God and the salvation of the world through a stricter separation from the world, the silence of solitude, and assiduous prayer and penance (CCC 920).

A Hidden Witness

The life of a hermit is a silent preaching of the Lord, demonstrating that God is the absolute center of human existence. Though physically separated from society, the hermit remains profoundly united to the Church through a hidden apostolate of continuous intercessory prayer (CCC 921).