In the Footprints of Loneliness

Meditations--when you hear an echo in your heart.
The greatest pain of the world today is loneliness.

Loneliness is a part of the journey of faith. When loneliness comes upon you, you want to go and hide in some corner--self-pity carries you like a big, huge wave on a beach all full of stones. You see that beach in your mind and you think you are going to be broken up on the rocks...

But in the depths of every heart there is a garden enclosed.

This garden is Gethsemane, and the enclosure is a meeting place for the Beloved, God. If you enter into this garden, you will hear the incredible sounds that Jesus heard: the heartbeats of God. God put loneliness in your heart so that you would hunger for him, and learn that unity with him brings unity with all.

Catherine Doherty experienced what it was like to be alone and abandoned. Now, she shares meditations written in her poustinia and in the hustle of her life dedicated to the poor. Out of these experiences over many years came this book--which she fervently hoped would offer consolation to those who have trod the footprints of loneliness in their walks of faith.