When Selected Poems first appeared in 1959, Mark Van Doren wrote that Thomas Merton believed that “poetry at its best is contemplation—of things, and of what they signify.” At a time when poets are ...

To mark what would have been Thomas Merton’s 99th birthday, a reflection and poem from the great spiritual writer that appeared in our pages in 1963. In comment: This poem is only a partial and ...

Thomas Merton was a monk, a poet, a contemplative, a peace activist, a nurturer of interreligious dialogue—and much more. Countless books have been written exploring most of these facets of Merton's ...

Mercy by the Sea Conference and Retreat Center is hosting a celebration of the life and spirituality of international author, peace advocate, poet and spiritual leader, Thomas Merton, March 27-29, ...

Baptized in the rivers of night, Gethsemani has recovered her innocence. Darkness brings a semblance of order before all things disappear. With the clock slung over my shoulder, in the silence of the ...