Pustelnik jako duchowy pielgrzym – próba pastoralnoteologicznej interpretacji „migracji ascetycznej” w oparciu o dokumenty Kościoła
Hermit as a Spiritual Pilgrim – an attempt of pastoral-theological interpretation of „ascetic migration” based on documents of the Church

Summary/Abstract: The author performs a theological analysis of a concept of „ascetic migration” arising in monastic life. The author endeavours to prove, that various forms of monastic life resemble a spiritual journey. Monks coming to an isolated place move physically, where they perform various acts of penance. On the one hand, it enables them to enter the depths of their hearts, devote themselves to prayer and meditation. On the other hand, seclusion, withdrawal from the present world, having a detached look at it result in acquiring wisdom, which allows them to minister to the world. The author interprets the concepts mentioned above and forms of monastic life in the light of a contemporary Church documents. Nowadays, ways of life led by the consecrated, especially by hermits and members of contemplative orders have been continuation of centuries-old tradition and experience, which are solitude and limited living space. These means are used in order to reach spiritual heights. Monks imitate Christ’s Passover here, on earth, by making a spiritual pilgrimage to the joy of heaven. An effort of striving toward holiness is a characteristic element of their spiritual journey as well. The author mentions two phenomena emerging in history such as: monks-pilgrims walking for Christ, who preached the Gospel and practiced unceasing journey as a form of asceticism and hermits to whom people seeking support used to come. The Church finds life of a monk-hermit as a model for her timeless, pastoral mission. This is because the Church is a community of pilgrims and life of each Christian is a pilgrimage.

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