Catholic Dictionary

Find accurate definitions of over 5,000 Catholic terms and phrases (including abbreviations). Based on Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

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SOLITUDE, EXTERIOR

Withdrawal from some or most conversation with others in order to give oneself more completely to contemplation and the service of God. A certain degree of solitude is recognized as necessary for progress in the spiritual life. The example at Nazareth, the forty days in the desert, and Christ's frequent withdrawal from the company of the Disciples to spend hours and whole nights in prayer has been the inspiration of all Christian solitaries, cloistered contemplatives, and members of institutes of Christian perfection.