Romanian hermits today

Romanian hermitA video from Romanian television about hermits in Neamt County, Romania, in the northeastern region of the country. The video begins with a forest ranger confirming the existence of hermits in the forests and caves of the Moldavian mountains. He makes the poignant statement that the hermits live “a tragic life, which is utterly not of this world.” Most of the video features an interview with one hermit about his religious beliefs. Brought to our attention by a friend of Hermitary.

URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZqEDhKKPl-o

Scottish nun becomes hermit

Ann Renfrew of Loch Morar, Scotland, is in her early 50’s and has been a Benedictine nun in Germany. She received the rite to become a hermit in an Arasaig ceremony presided over by the local bishop. A priest commenting on the new hermit remarked to the Press and Journal of Sister Maria Edith that “She will still talk to people, but it will be in a withdrawn way.”

URL: http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/1344926?UserKey=

Manchester hermit back to “real” life

Ansuman Biswas, who spent 40 days in the Manchester Museum tower as a hermit, is interviewed by BBC News upon his exit (August 5 was his last day there ) and return to “real” life. Excerpt:

A hermit is re-entering society after spending 40 days and 40 nights in Manchester Museum’s Gothic tower.

Ansuman Biswas, 43, from London, chose 40 objects from the museum collection during his isolation, where he contemplated “loss and extinction”.

He posted his thoughts on the items on a blog, as well as practising yoga and meditation for up to five hours a day.

Mr Biswas, an artist, told the BBC it had been a wonderful experience which he hoped to repeat in the future.

“It’s flown by really. I wish I could have another 40 days and 40 nights,” said the hermit.

“There’s so much to do still and I’ve got lots of ideas that I’ve run out of time now to realise.

“Except I could continue to do them in real life, or whatever real life is.”

Includes a one-and-a-half minute video.

URL: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/manchester/8187909.stm
Blog: http://manchesterhermit.wordpress.com