Thomas Merton enjoys greater
influence 50 years after death
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| Thomas Merton : 31 January 1915 - 10 December 1968 |
Fifty years have passed since the death of Thomas Merton,
one of the greatest American spiritual figures of the 20th century, yet his
influence is “wider now than when he was alive”.
By Sr Bernadette Mary Reis, fsp
On December 10, 1968, Thomas Merton died.
This famous pacifist, Catholic convert, Trappist monk, spiritual writer, and
comparative religion scholar has more influence now than when he lived. Brother
Paul Quenon, a Trappist monk from Gethsemani Abbey, the same abbey where
Thomas Merton lived, shared with Vatican News how the monks there celebrated
the anniversary and how Thomas Merton’s memory still
lives on.
Merton’s anniversary
Br Paul said that the monks at Gethsemani Abbey celebrated
the 50th anniversary of Thomas Merton’s death during Mass on
Monday. During the noon meal, the monks heard a recording of Thomas Merton
singing Gregorian Chant. Thomas Merton “loved Gregorian [Chant]. When he was
living in the hermitage he used a tape recorder to record numerous chants”, Br
Paul said. An Archdiocesan liturgy commemorating the anniversary was celebrated
Monday evening. Archbishop Joseph Kurtz was joined by the Abbey’s Abbot, Dom
Elias Deitz, and other priests from the Archdiocese of Louisville.
Wider influence now
“Merton’s influence is wider now than when he was alive”, Br
Paul says. His “legacy seems to expand, and four or five books are published
each year…. Of course, Pope Francis’ recommendation of Merton to a joint
session of Congress was a surprise and delight. Many Americans had never heard
of Merton, but many soon began making inquiries”, Br Paul said. Men and women
considering a monastic vocation generally read something written by Thomas
Merton. Although there are other authors to choose from, Br Paul says that
Thomas Merton is still “prominent” among them. Nation-wide conferences
including presentations on Thomas Merton manifest an ongoing, “thriving interest
in Merton”, Br Paul attests.
Inter-religious appeal
Thomas Merton influenced his own Trappist Order, Br Paul
explained. “His emphasis on contemplation and experience in prayer have helped
to shift the focus of the Order from penitential life to contemplative living”.
Beyond his own Order, both non-Catholic and non-Christian “spiritual seekers
embrace Merton as someone who understands them and who can speak the language
of the heart. His own broad grasp of the Catholic tradition and his years in
the monastery lend a tone of authority to his writing, without being
authoritarian”. Br Paul gave a concrete example of his continuing influence in
secular circles. A “Buddhist stupa and a Christian labyrinth in honour of the
Dalai Lama and Thomas Merton” were recently constructed in a park at Spalding
University in Louisville.
Lexington, KY and the US remember Merton
Thomas Merton is also being remembered outside of the Abbey
walls. Br Paul provided 35 photographs on loan to the Carnegie Centre for
Literacy and Learning in Lexington, KY. “Some of the best Kentucky writers”
contributed poetry and prose in an evening dedicated to Merton’s memory at the
Carnegie Centre which will host another event connected with the 50th anniversary
on 18 January 2019. Since “Merton is an established figure in the ranks of
American authors and spiritual writers”, celebrations also occurred throughout
the US and articles appeared in newspapers and magazines.
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