A time of desert solitude at Merciful Heart Hermitage provides Catholic priests who serve in the Diocese of Phoenix with the opportunity for a deep immersion in contemplative prayer.
The priest’s sole occupation in this time of desert solitude is to seek intimacy with the Holy Trinity. The invitation is to leave the world behind and focus only on prayer, Scripture reading, and one’s relationship with the Lord. In this way, a priest is given at least a small taste of the adventure and challenge of being truly alone with God in the solitude of the desert.
In order to truly benefit from this time of desert solitude, the expectation is that one’s cell phone will be turned off so as to experience true separation from the world. Silence – both exterior and interior – is essential to really listen to the Lord on a deep level.
Click here for our Desert Solitude Request Form
Suggested Offerings
Although we do not charge a fee, Merciful Heart Hermitage relies on the generosity of priest guests for its continued operation and gratefully welcomes freewill offerings. Please also consider including the Hermitage as part of your annual tithing.
Many parishes/assignments will reimburse priests for their annual retreat, and we would be happy to provide an invoice that would reflect a reasonable amount according to the policy of one’s diocese or parish. For those who wish to partake of our meal option (see Accommodations) we do ask for an offering of $10/meal to cover the cost of the food.
Donations may be made by personal check, payable to “Diocese of Phoenix / Merciful Heart,” and may be left in one’s hermitage upon departure or may be sent to the mailing address on our Contact Page. Donations may also be made online via credit card.