Poustinia is a Russian word that literally means “desert.”                                                                                                                                                                                                              

The concept of making a Poustinia entails going apart from the community to fast and pray in solitude for 24 hours or more with as little as possible. 

Poustinia’s refer to small, simple room, furnished with a bed, small table and chair, the Bible, a plain cross, and perhaps an icon of the Mother of God. It is here that one can go to “make a poustinia.”
 
At Jubilee House, while our room is attached to the others, it still allows you to have all your needs met in a warm and prayerful atmosphere to rest, renew and reflect in the Silence that surrounds our Center.
 
Traditionally, scripture is the only book taken to poustinia. Through the praying of Scripture we are immersed in the word of God. To this, fasting on bread and water is an added option. The intention of poustinia is always for others, for the needs of the Church, the world and those who have asked us to pray for them.

Catherine Doherty in her book, “Poustinia: Encountering God in Silence, Solitude and Prayer” said, ‘No one can tell you what to do in the poustinia. You are there in silence with God so that he can speak to your heart.’ From this listening to God, a new depth of inner life is begun. For many of the staff, poustinia has become a permanent part of their lives.

Catherine also goes on to define it as such…The word poustinia  means the lonely place that souls sometimes have to enter, to find the God who dwells within them. Or it means a wild and lonely place to which a hermit would go to seek God in solitude and silence.

While at Jubilee we invite you to take what you like from this idea and call this your home during your stay…simply treasure the solitude and beauty that is prayer.