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Solitaries of DeKoven: Santa Anna, Texas
Solitaries of DeKoven is a Religious Order of hermits within the Episcopal Church that embraces an ecumenical expression. Core members live at the Vigeat Radix Hermitage near Santa Anna in solitude and prayer in the silence of the hermitage. Their day revolves around the Divine Office, contemplation and intercession, study and manual labor. They are dedicated to solitary prayer on behalf of the Church and the world. Besides the normal tasks involved in living a simple life on acreage in the country, they make and sell Anglican Prayer Beads as a way to support themselves and as a vehicle to intercessory prayer.
Solitaries of DeKoven have as their patron Blessed James DeKoven, DD (1831–1879), who was a priest, educator and leader of the Anglo-Catholic movement in the Episcopal Church. In the 1870s he became the chief spokesman for the "ritualists," who were dedicated to an emphasis on the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, and on the use of ritual practices that honored that presence. These included bowing to the altar, at the name of Jesus, and before receiving communion. Solitaries of DeKoven are inspired by his fierce spirit of vocation and devotion, even against strenuous opposition.
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