Herman d'Alaska
v. 1756-1836 18th century Feast day: December 13
Inhabited solitude: never being alone where God is, and beginning to love now, without waiting for tomorrow.
Who was Herman d'Alaska?
A Russian monk sent on mission to Alaska in 1794, he settled on little Spruce Island, across from Kodiak, where he lived as a hermit. He defended the Aleut people against the abuses of the trading companies, cared for the sick during epidemics, and opened a school for orphans. Those who visited him left struck by his gentleness and his quiet certainty that God was there.
In their own words
From this day, from this hour, from this minute, let us strive to love God above all.
No, I am not alone there. God is there, as God is everywhere.
A true Christian is made by faith and love toward Christ.