A writer who has lived alone and far from the nearest village for many years – and who has just turned 70 – has words of advice and encouragement for those who might feel frightened by the prospect of enforced solitude and silence

In AD 305 (or then abouts), St Anthony emerged from 20 years of “self-isolation” inside a ruined fortress in Egypt. He had had his food thrown over the wall by friends and had spoken to no one – except the Devil at whom he was heard shouting. Athanasius reports that the substantial crowd, who had gathered to observe his emergence, were very surprised to see that he was both healthy and sane. This is most encouraging!

I was 70 last month, so I am now self-isolating, but in fact because of my personal lifestyle the major difference it will make to me is that I will save money on petrol: some other poor soul will have to bring any shopping I need up my hill for me and Mass, 25 miles away, has been cancelled. (I am sure you will all be relieved to hear that St Mary the Harlot in the fourth century was canonised despite never going to Mass and receiving Communion only once in her life.)

But I know I have some solid actual advantages over many people who may well be feeling lonely and frightened; not just frightened of Covid-19 but of isolation itself and the consequent loneliness and silence. Already the web is full of articles telling us how to look after our “mental health”, since apparently being isolated will more or less automatically drive us bonkers.