At a time when church attendance is in decline, applications to live a contemplative life, in the style of the saints of the early church, have increased. However, whereas the Syrian St Simeon Stylites prayed on top of a 60ft pillar for 36 years, modern ascetics rarely live a totally reclusive existence. Most are living normal lives but, with people living in more loosely structured communities, it is much easier to be solitary. Her husband seems to be quite sympathetic. Strangely, while increasing numbers of Anglicans are attempting to follow the medieval rules of solitary living laid down by St Benedict, the Roman Catholic Church is reporting a decline in applications to join contemplative religious orders or tolive as solitaries.
Community work Some religious orders combine a life of contemplation with community work.
Dressed in their grey habits and sandals and with long, bushy beards, the friars can even be seen ministering to the locals' spiritual needs by holding regular sessions in a pub. It's much worse in some ways. We have had rocks thrown at us but generally the welcome has been friendly enough. The number of societies for lay contemplatives is growing. There is the Fellowship of Solitaries, which has about 300 members, the Association of British Contemplatives, the Companions of Jesus Crucified, and even an organisation called the Order of Consecrated Virgins.