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St. John of Egypt

"At twenty-five years of age he forsook the world, and put himself under the direction of an ancient holy anchoret with such humility and simplicity as struck the venerable old man with admiration. By him he was inured to obedience and other virtues during about twelve years, when the venerable old man died. When St. John was about forty years of age, he retired to the top of a rock, where he walled up his cell, leaving only a little window, through which he received what was brought him for his support, and spoke to those who visited him for their spiritual comfort and edification. He was reverenced by all of his time, and particularly by the Emperor Theodosius the Great, to whom he foretold his victory over Eugenius. He never eat bread, or any thing prepared by fire. His only food was the fruits of the earth; he never eat till sunset, and then very sparingly. During five days in the week he conversed with God alone: but on Saturdays and Sundays all but women had free access to him for his instructions and spiritual advice. In this manner did he live from about the fortieth to the ninetieth year of his age. He was illustrious for miracles, and a wonderful spirit of prophecy, with the power of discovering to those that came to see him their most secret thoughts and hidden sins. And such was the fame of his predictions, and the lustre of his miracles, which he wrought on the sick, by sending them some oil which he had blessed, that they drew the admiration of the whole world upon him. Having been favoured with a foresight of his death, he would see nobody for the last three days. At the end of this term he sweetly expired, being on his knees at prayer, towards the close of the year 394, or the beginning of 395.

You can more easily admire the saints than imitate them; but ought not this example to be some direction for this time as to recollection and fasting? Can you cut off nothing of your usual dissipations, so to apply your mind to a serious examination of your state, and to the means necessary for your amendment? Can you practice nothing of his solitude and recollection? Solitude is the dwelling of a seraph upon earth, whose sole employment is to correct the disorders of his soul, to forget the world, and converse, as far as possible, with God alone." The Catholic Year by Rev. Fr. John Gother