In this virtual series, there is a listing of papers and presentations for the 2023 ITMS conference. Conference description: "In his poem Hagia Sophia and other writings, Thomas Merton wrote of divine wisdom, often personified as Sophia. Representing both the Holy Spirit and the mystical idea of divine wisdom, the figure of Sophia played an important role in Thomas Merton’s spirituality and writing. This mystical image represents the divine in active terms, reaching into our souls and challenging us to new ways of living, of loving our neighbors, of standing for justice. Moreover, in Sophia Merton recognized an experience of God rendered in a feminine face. The significance of the divine feminine in Merton’s life and work connects aptly to the location of our gathering in 2023. Saint Mary’s College, a Catholic women’s liberal arts college, has long been a pioneering institution in women’s higher education, and intersected with Merton’s life in important ways. Merton corresponded with members of the Saint Mary’s community, including then-President Sr. Madeleva Wolff, and it was Saint Mary’s that first published Merton’s 1948 book What is Contemplation? More generally, Merton was shaped in important ways by women in his life — from his mother to the Baronness Catherine de Hueck Doherty to his longtime literary agent Naomi Burton Stone — and through his writings and correspondence engaged in extensive dialogue with women writers."
A bibliographic work featuring secondary sources about Thomas Merton from 1945-2000, including: books and reviews, articles and essays, theses and dissertations, news stories and interviews, poetry, arts, and media.
Breit, Marquita E.First lines: "Enclosed is a letter which we have just written to Father Louis concerning "Exile Ends in Glory.""... Contents index: [Merton uses verso of letter for notes for a manuscript of "The Cloud and the Fire," an early draft of «The Ascent to Truth», see manuscripts of "The Cloud and the Fire" for original] recommendation to reduce length of «Exile Ends in Glory» to reduce cost and appeal to a wider audience.
Bruce, Frank MiltonFirst lines: "Thanks very much for your thoughtfulness in sending us the list of your friends to whom author's"... Contents index: «Exile Ends in Glory» / «The Seven Storey Mountain» - advantage of using Harcourt Brace, a secular publisher, rather than a Catholic publisher like Bruce to reach bigger market / likely release «What Are These Wounds?» in 1949 because of the other two books in 1948 / Fr. Raymond Flanagan's «The Man Who Got Even with God».
Bruce, Frank MiltonFirst lines: "Some years ago a Jesuit telephoned me to say that a very dear friend of ours, a Jesuit missionary in"... Contents index: death of Dom Frederic Dunne / suggestion of advertising «The Seven Storey Mountain» with "Another Man Who Got Even with God" (after title of Fr. Raymond's book) / Al Croft's trip to Gethsemani / possiblity of publishing biography of the life of St. Bernard of Clairvaux.
Bruce, Frank MiltonFirst lines: "We are planning to issue an anthology of Catholic poetry, edited by Thomas Merton, and he has asked"...
Laughlin, JamesFirst lines: "Thank you for your letter of June 21st regarding the title for the Lutgarde manuscript."... Contents index: [first page of the letter only - continuation not extant] title for book about St. Lutgard and her mysticism and mental prayer - Merton suggests "The Tiger Lilly" [it is published as «What Are These Wounds?»].
Bruce, Frank MiltonFirst lines: "I enclose $5.00 to have a Mass offered for the canonization of Mother Berchmans in return for favor"... Contents index: letter sent to "Father Abbott" but found within Merton's correspondence.
Anna Mary, Sr.First lines: "I hope you got my letter of 20th October safely? We are all ready to go ahead with the printing"...
Burns, Thomas FerrierFirst lines: "May Our Lord and Our Lady bless you for cooperating so generously and earnestly in the good that"... Contents index: article for «Commonweal» on contemplation / Fr. M. Raymond, article "Mystical Life - Mystical Prayer" / suggests Merton write on Dom Odo Casel and Maria-Laach.
Ahern, Barnabas Mary, Fr., C.P.First lines: "Yesterday Father Abbot asked me to get in touch with you and ask your advice about our centennial"... Contents index: New Melleray centennial history / executives from the Thomas More Bookshop in Chicago advised having a "name" author write the history / many authors who refused - asking Merton to accept or suggest another / Abbot wants it patterned on Fr. Ailbe J. Luddy's «Story of Mount Melleray».
Benedict, Fr., O.C.S.O.First lines: "Merci de tant coeur pour les deux exemplaires de votre beau livre sur sainte Lutgarde. Je le lirai"...
Bissey, Colomban, Dom, O.C.S.O.First lines: "I am very grateful for the copy of «Monastic Orientation» which you kindly sent me. I have"... Contents index: need for knowledge / Pope Pius XI's «Unigenitus Dei Filius» / Osee / M.E. Boismard / Louis Chardon / notes from non-Catholic authors on the Prophets sent to Merton.
Ahern, Barnabas Mary, Fr., C.P.First lines: "It will be a pleasure and privilege to lend any help I can; so never hesitate to ask. The good Lord"... Contents index: criticism and commentary of Merton's books / sends "exposé on the Scriptural senses" / advice on carefully checking French reviews.
Ahern, Barnabas Mary, Fr., C.P.First lines: "Senses of Scripture in «Divino Afflante Spiritu» 1. Background of Encyclical: Shortly before"... Contents index: [notes by Ahern].
Ahern, Barnabas Mary, Fr., C.P.First lines: "Our talk yesterday has been fruitful in this: it has suggested some helpful perspectives anyway."...
Merton, ThomasFirst lines: "Your prelude to the chant afforded a sort of Laetare Sunday diversion in my Lenten reading."... Contents index: [see "Censors Reports" file in correspondence for physical copy] "Laudate Dominum" [sound recording] - program notes by Merton on slipcase.
Bourne, Paul, Fr., O.C.S.O.First lines: "Under separate cover I am sending the notes which I promised for the end of January! The first half"... Contents index: 1 page of letter and 5 of notes, mainly Old Testament / St. Nicholas of Flue, St. Anna Maria of Jesus, and Lebanese hermit, Fr. Charbel (Sharbel) / ends with discussion of the Holy Father's warnings against the misuse/misinterpretation of Scripture.
Ahern, Barnabas Mary, Fr., C.P.First lines: "I was very happy to hear that you are launching out into your Scripture course. «Faber fit»"... Contents index: gives extensive advice on the structure of his courses and how Merton should treat Old and New Testaments, what books to read, etc. / bio. of Fr. Charbel (Sharbel) / discussion of solitude and being a "'hermit' among the Trappists".
Ahern, Barnabas Mary, Fr., C.P.First lines: "Your pamphlet on prayer is very good. If I may offer one minor suggestion it is that you break up"... Contents index: [see "Censors Reports" file in correspondence for physical copy] "Balanced Life of Prayer" [book/pamphlet].
Bourne, Paul, Fr., O.C.S.O.First lines: "Sincere congratulations on your appointment as Master of Students; your new task will mean so much"... Contents index: Benedictines and Cistercians as sources for instruction / St. John's «Ascent» / Henri Daniel-Rops / other recommendations for authors and texts to teach students.
Ahern, Barnabas Mary, Fr., C.P.First lines: "Enclosed you will find the document you requested for the edification or something of your friend"... Contents index: [see "Censors Reports" file in correspondence for physical copy] "Ascent to Truth" [book] documents from Fr. Paul Bourne, O.C.S.O. - possibly sending "Reader's Report" also in this file, see "1951/no-month/no-day?" in "Ascent to Truth".
Bourne, Paul, Fr., O.C.S.O.First lines: "An advance copy or your excellent new book, Ascent to Truth, reached us a few days ago and we are"... Contents index: [see "Censors Reports" file in correspondence for physical copy] "Ascent to Truth" [book] censor Fr. Paul Bourne, O.C.S.O. notes that indicated corrections were not made in the published copy of book.
Bourne, Paul, Fr., O.C.S.O.First lines: "Il y a plusieurs [indecipherable word] que je désire vous écrire, depuis que je sais"...
Arrés, ThérèseFirst lines: "Cette lettre vous surprendra à première vue, mais plus dutout lorsque je vous aurai dit que je suis"...
Merton, ThomasFirst lines: "We are planning to publish in book form approximately 100 of the best articles which have appeared"... Contents index: asking Merton's consent to publish "I Begin to Meditate" (appearing in the November, 1948 edition of the « Catholic Digest Reader») in the « Catholic Digest Reader».
Bussard, Paul, Fr.First lines: "Your brief sketch of St. John of the Cross is very nice except for one aspect which I hope you will"... Contents index: [see "Censors Reports" file in correspondence for signed copy - from a file kept by Dom James Fox on censorship] "Saints for Now" by Clare Boothe Luce with an essay by Merton regarding St. John of the Cross - censor's comments - concern about the Carmelite "prison incident, 'monastic incarceration'" and that, without fuller context, it would be confusing to readers and upsetting to the Carmelites - sent to Merton with note from Br. Alfred, O.C.S.O. of 1952/July/07.
Bourne, Paul, Fr., O.C.S.O.First lines: "Could you please look over these two works of art (?) and tell me if they are too scandalously bad"... Contents index: [see "Censors Reports" file in correspondence for physical copy] "Saints for Now" by Clare Boothe Luce with an essay by Merton regarding St. John of the Cross [essay in book] - Merton submits two black ink brush drawings of St. John of the Cross and of St. Thérèse of Lisieux - reply by Fr. Paul Bourne is written on the bottom of Merton's letter (see Item #2 of the same date).
Merton, ThomasFirst lines: "I like St John very much but if the lady is St Teresa I think you've missed her character, a round"... Contents index: [see "Censors Reports" file in correspondence for physical copy] "Saints for Now" by Clare Boothe Luce with an essay by Merton regarding St. John of the Cross [essay in book] - censor Fr. Paul Bourne reacts to Merton's two black ink brush drawings of St. John of the Cross and of St. Thérèse of Lisieux for inclusion in the book, written on the bottom of Merton's letter (see Item #1 of the same date).
Bourne, Paul, Fr., O.C.S.O.First lines: "I am writing you on behalf of a group of poets and artists who are at present engaged in preparing a"... Contents index: [includes a card with the word "good" in calligraphy] a project involving poets engraving handwritten poems on copper plates and working with an artist in a style reminiscent of William Blake / includes name of poets working on this project (including Dylan Thomas) / Brenson a friend of Jacques Maritain.
Brenson, TheodoreFirst lines: "As we have been directed, I address to you this critique of Father Louis' latest book, The Sign"... Contents index: [see "Censors Reports" file in correspondence for physical copy] "Sign of Jonas" [book] - censor's comments from Fr. Paul Bourne, O.C.S.O., Holy Ghost Abbey, Conyers, Georgia.
Bourne, Paul, Fr., O.C.S.O.First lines: "No, your ms. is not lost. It arrived here yesterday, forwarded from Glockner. I have already begun"... Contents index: review of manuscript / Merton's Journal / proposes question: "What must one do practically when he has come to distrust his human concepts of the realities of the Faith?".
Ahern, Barnabas Mary, Fr., C.P.First lines: "I hope sincerely that St. Louis' day has brought many graces. I offered Holy Mass for you this"... Contents index: [see "Censors Reports" file for original letter] censor's criticism on «The Sign of Jonas» from Fr. Barnabas Ahern, C.P., of the Passionist Fathers of Chicago - 2 pages of typed letter and handwritten note verso with seven pages of "doctrinal suggestions" and five pages of "typographical corrections".
Ahern, Barnabas Mary, Fr., C.P.First lines: "Under separate cover I am returning the ms. All typographical errors are checked and circled to"... Contents index: St. Augustine on the liturgy / Bouyer's «Pascal Mystery» / criticizes the "looseness" and poor sentence structure in Merton's writing.
Ahern, Barnabas Mary, Fr., C.P.First lines: "In the absence of your dear Rev. Father I take the responsibility of addressing this criticism"... Contents index: [see "Censors Reports" file in correspondence for physical copy] "Bread in the Wilderness" [book - here under original title of "Contemplation in the Liturgy"].
Bourne, Paul, Fr., O.C.S.O.First lines: "We have just heard from our South American representative that Sudamericana are pleased to agree"... Contents index: Monsignor Larraona writing Spanish edition preface to a book published by Sudamericana - [possibly «Las aguas de Siloé» / «The Waters of Siloe»].
Byrne, Grace M.First lines: "This is just a note to thank you for the copy of Monastic Orientation which you were so kind to send"... Contents index: suggests introducing students to the "De Virtutibus in the Secunda Secundae" and recommends L. Bouyer's «La Bible et L'Evangile».
Ahern, Barnabas Mary, Fr., C.P.First lines: "Though I did not write for Christmas, I did not forget; for I offered Holy Mass for you and your"... Contents index: new Passionist foundation in Japan with Father Matthew chosen as Superior / Ahern suggests that Merton meet Fr. Matthew / Merton's notes on Cistercian Theology / St. Paul of the Cross (founder of Passionists) / emphasis on the Resurrection in Acts.
Ahern, Barnabas Mary, Fr., C.P.First lines: "to Fathe Vitus of the clerics of St. John's Abbey - from the scholastics of Our Lady of Gethsemani -"... Contents index: [inscription to Father Vitus of St. John Abbey (likely Fr. Vitus Bucher) with Latin text from the Rule of St. Benedict, "ut ab ipsius magisterio numquam discedentes in ejus doctrina usque ad mortem in monasterio perseverantes, passionibus Xti per patientiam participemus, ut et regno ejus mereamur esse consortes." Signed "f M Louis, O.C.S.O."].
Merton, ThomasFirst lines: "This is a shot in the dark - probably completely unwarranted. But I know you understand, and will"... Contents index: sees hints that Merton has an idea of leaving Gethsemani and argues extensively that it will undermine his previous work and cause critics to write him off.
Ahern, Barnabas Mary, Fr., C.P.First lines: "Many thanks for your kind and solicitous letter. If a cryptic sentence of mine led you to believe"... Contents index: clarification that Merton does not plan to leave Gethsemani / discussed ill match for Trappist lifestyle and his desire to live as a hermit at Gethsemani.
Merton, ThomasFirst lines: "Thank you for your letter of clarification; for, yes, I was concerned. Your confidence is"... Contents index: criticizes Merton's idea of becoming a hermit / suggests a year-long sabbatical doing the work of a Trappist / recommends «Dialogues» of St. Catherine of Siena.
Ahern, Barnabas Mary, Fr., C.P.First lines: "Before Ash Wednesday descends upon us I want to thank you for your last letter."... Contents index: [two carbon copy transcripts of the letter filed in Dom James Fox's file concerning Merton and the critical article of him by Dom Aelred Graham, "A Modern Man in Reverse" / see also "Graham, Aelred" correspondence file, Series 2 for this file].
Ahern, Barnabas Mary, Fr., C.P.First lines: "I am writing directly to you, for I feared a letter to Father M. Louis might not reach him during"... Contents index: [carbon copy transcript of the letter filed in Dom James Fox's file concerning the Merton and the critical article of him by Dom Aelred Graham, "A Modern Man in Reverse" / see also "Graham, Aelred" correspondence file, Series 2 for this file].
Ahern, Barnabas Mary, Fr., C.P.First lines: "We received your charming letter of February 14. I am answering for good Father Louis."... Contents index: [copy of a letter filed in Dom James Fox's file concerning the Merton and the critical article of him by Dom Aelred Graham, "A Modern Man in Reverse" / see also "Graham, Aelred" correspondence file, Series 2].
Fox, James, Dom, O.C.S.O.First lines: "I am rushing to you, tardily, an un-proofread article on St Bernard which has been accepted by"...
Merton, ThomasFirst lines: "It is long since I have written; but be assured that I have been praying for you. And I know that"... Contents index: true solitude / St. John of the Cross / "Robert's translation of Canticle in the Jerusalem Bible" / Wisdom of Solomon / Fr. Gabriel's «The Spiritual Director».
Ahern, Barnabas Mary, Fr., C.P.First lines: "Here is the completed draft of «Tower of Babel». I am sending it as a straight poem."...
Merton, ThomasFirst lines: "You will be glad to here that Harcourt Brace is bringing out the Encyclical, with one commentary -"...
Merton, ThomasFirst lines: "This Intro. to Doctor Mellifluus seems to me quite the best thing of this sort you have done."... Contents index: [see "Censors Reports" file in correspondence for physical copy] "Last of the Fathers" [book].
Bourne, Paul, Fr., O.C.S.O.First lines: "It was ever so good to receive your letter of October 19th, and to learn that the struggle still"... Contents index: addresses Merton's complaints of Gethsemani and its artificiality / authorship of Deutero-Isaiah / Jeremias / "parallels between the Bible and extra-biblical sources / suggestions for conference on saintly priest / Soloviev.
Ahern, Barnabas Mary, Fr., C.P.First lines: "Thank you very much for the latest notes of Monastic Orientation which you were so good to send. I"... Contents index: Dan Walsh / Mother Schroen / «A Great Mystic of the Eighteenth Century» by Fr. Favre, C.SS.R..
Ahern, Barnabas Mary, Fr., C.P.First lines: "La lettre de Soeur Thérèse écrite depuis"...
Amici de Jesus, Marie, Sr., O.C.D.First lines: "Thank you ever so much -- first, for the fine letter of February 27, which I should have"... Contents index: responds to Merton's criticism that Ahern's translation of the Epistles was too conservative / more bold approach of «Jerusalem Bible» / St. Paul and the Resurrection / solitude in Christ / Dom Odo Casel and Maria-Laach.
Ahern, Barnabas Mary, Fr., C.P.First lines: "This will have to be short, because if I don't finish it tonight, I won't be able to take it up"...
Bosco, John, Fr.First lines: "L'idée m'est venue d'entrer très simplement en rapport avec vous. L'on nous a lu au Monastère, au"... Contents index: «La nuit privée d'étoiles» (French edition of «The Seven Storey Mountain») / French and American monks feeling the same devotion for common fathers, St. Bernard and St. Benedict / remember Mary and fidelity to the Pope during the coming month of August / Pope Pius XII.
Beaurin, Jean Marie, Fr.First lines: "I returned just this morning from the summer schools in Detroit (to our own Fathers) and at"... Contents index: praise for «Bread in the Wilderness» and «Seeds of Contemplation» / Mother Schroen / Dom Barron from Solesmes Abbey and chant.
Ahern, Barnabas Mary, Fr., C.P.First lines: "Two years ago I send you my last letter. Meanwhile I studied with much spiritual fruit your"... Contents index: "Introduction on Cistercian Theology", "Monastic Orientation", and "Action and Contemplation in St. Bernard" / requesting prior offer of a copy of «Bread in the Wilderness» / vocation shortage and monetary problems at monastery at Aelenberg.
Benedictus, Fr., O.C.S.O.First lines: "En rentrant de notre pèlerinage de Rome j'ai trouvé votre lettre si fraternelle qui m'a rempli de"... Contents index: Les Croisés de Notre Dame (the Crusaders of Our Lady) / acknowledgement of Merton's interest / opposition to Marxism and a call from Pope Pius XII to wage a spiritual war on their world of separation from God and restore the faith of the first Christians / «La nuit privée d'étoiles».
Beaurin, Jean Marie, Fr.First lines: "Thank you very much for your letter of the 16th. Indeed I was surprised! In fact I am rather"... Contents index: changing orders and international confusion with Abbeys on both sides of the Atlantic / "contemplation and action" - ideals of Cistercian pure contemplation vs. Carmelite mixture of contemplation and action / convert background / mixture is not for him - wants to be Cistercian / asking help in finding an abbey.
Bernard, Fr., O.C.D.First lines: "Magna cum laetitia et gratitudine, tuum"...
Alvares, Marcos Maria de, Fr., O.F.M.First lines: "Silence in Heaven--- a note to the Father Censors. [-] This text was written for the Benedictine"... Contents index: [2 copies].
Merton, ThomasFirst lines: "I wish to thank you with all my heart for the immense help "Bread in the Wilderness" has been, and"... Contents index: asks Merton for a plan to pray the Psalms for a busy person [includes envelope for letter forwarded to Merton from a publisher in London].
Allan, Julian P., O.B.E., F.R.B.S.First lines: "Kind thanks for your hearty letter of Dec. '54! It took a long time before we succeeded, too by the"... Contents index: sending samples of Dutch devotional art / mere 100 years of freedom for Dutch Catholics / asks Merton's reaction to charcoal pieces by Flemish expressionists / requesting drawings by Merton and photos of Gethsemani community / translating into Dutch «Bread in the Wilderness», «Sign of Jonas».
Benedictus, Fr., O.C.S.O.First lines: "The letter has been and will be my address from the beginning of June until the end of November."... Contents index: moved to New Jersey to work as chairman of the board of [Biblical] translators / working on Epistles / editorial policy / not like Knox's translation.
Ahern, Barnabas Mary, Fr., C.P.First lines: "1. The new translation must read smoothly and yet follow the text closely. It must be English"... Contents index: Editorial Policy for the Biblical translation in which Ahern was involved / "must stand comparison with the Kleist-Lilly Bible" but more correct.
Ahern, Barnabas Mary, Fr., C.P.First lines: "It was very good to hear from you, and to know that you will carry on with the Scripture work."... Contents index: translating Ephesians / Monastic Orientation notes / Mother Schroen, R.S.C.J. / «No Man Is an Island» / critical of Merton's desire to be hermit / Larry McCluskey.
Ahern, Barnabas Mary, Fr., C.P.First lines: "Con un telegramma di stamane Le annunziavo la spedizione per posta aerea della richiesta prefazione"...
Agagianian, Gregorio Pietro, CardinalFirst lines: "Ci è stato rivolto gentile invito di scrivere alcune parole di presentazione e di prefazione al"... Contents index: Agagianian's preface to «The Living Bread» written in Italian / included with December 15th letter.
Agagianian, Gregorio Pietro, CardinalFirst lines: "This is just a formal acknowledgment of your letter of the 31st January about THE LIVING BREAD,"... Contents index: [see "Stone, Naomi Burton" file for letter - to Graham Watson of Curtis Brown publishers].
Burns, Thomas FerrierFirst lines: "I have thought of you many a time since my last letter - and always with a prayer. Please do"... Contents index: American Passionists trip to Assisi / studying Ugaritic language / Dom Jean-Baptiste Porion [quoted in letter as "Jean Baptist Poirron"] / recommends Bl. Placid Riccordi for work as Master of Novices.
Ahern, Barnabas Mary, Fr., C.P.First lines: "The first Portuguese edition of NO MAN IS AN ISLAND was a great success - out of stock in two months"... Contents index: publication of Merton's books in Brazil / Alceu Amoroso Lima / «Bread in the Wilderness» / Fr. Leonel Franca, S.J..
Bettencourt, YolandaFirst lines: "PROJECT PROPOSAL / «Title»: THE ARTS OF THE SHAKERS / An exhibition of photographic panels,"...
Andrews, Edward DemingFirst lines: "Thanks for your letter of December 19, 1957. I have already written to Curtis Brown concerning the"... Contents index: list of books already published in Portuguese / Alceu Amoroso Lima / Merton's interest in writing about Latin American poets.
Bettencourt, YolandaFirst lines: "[…] Lá muito, escreverlhe, quando agora"... Contents index: [sent on the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul, January 25th, 1958] includes a small photo dated 1956/07/25 of workers in a field (see scan of photo at the top of this finding aid's web page).
Anastácio, Timóteo Amoroso, Fr., O.S.B.First lines: "Tengo el honor de pedirles, a Uds, ayuda en un asunto que interesera tal artista Ecuadoriano."... Contents index: [Merton writes to the Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana in Quito, Ecuador - Dr. Julio Endara was President and he gave Merton's letter to Jaime Andrade].
Merton, ThomasFirst lines: "El distinguido Presidente de la Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana, Dr. Julio Endara, se"... Contents index: heard about Merton's plans to commission a statue of Mary and Child Jesus and offers to take up the job.
Andrade, JaimeFirst lines: "Le agradezco mucho su carta, y voy a explicarle mis ideas para la obra propuesta, de una estatua de"... Contents index: commissions and describes plan for a Statue of the Blessed Virgin for the Novitiate Library / vocation of artist and monk-priest / Nativity and Native Americans.
Merton, ThomasFirst lines: "I thank you very much for your letters, and I am going to explain to you my ideas about the work"... Contents index: translation of the 1958/03/03 letter to commission and describe a plan for a Statue of the Blessed Virgin for the novitiate library (translator's handwriting, not Merton's).
Merton, ThomasFirst lines: "Le agradezco mucho su carta, y voy a explicarle mis ideas para la obra propuesta, de una estatua de"... Contents index: commissions and describes plan for a Statue of the Blessed Virgin for the Novitiate Library / vocation of artist and monk-priest / Nativity and Native Americans.
Merton, ThomasFirst lines: "The Abbot General has asked me to inform you and Father Paul of Holy Ghost Abbey that he appoints"... Contents index: claims Merton and Fr. Paul of Holy Ghost Abbey are to be censors for all Trappist and Trappistine literature in the U.S. (proves to be a misunderstanding, see "Fox, James" file) / submitting a sister's poems to be used in Christmas Carols for censorship.
Angela, Rev. Mother, O.C.S.O.First lines: "Contesto su interesante carta de 7 de los corriente. Mi plan de trabajo será el siguiente:"...
Andrade, JaimeFirst lines: "Le agradezco mucho su carta del 18, y tengo mucho gusto en decirle antesde todo que nuestro Padre"...
Merton, ThomasFirst lines: "He … de la biblioteca"...
Merton, ThomasFirst lines: "Recibí hace algunos días sus estimables cartas del 27 y 31 de marzo las cuales no ha sido posible"...
Andrade, JaimeFirst lines: "Sua carta, que acabo de reciber, foi viva graça tão grande,"...
Anastácio, Timóteo Amoroso, Fr., O.S.B.First lines: "Since you understand English well, I can write to you in that language and thus save a little time."...
Merton, ThomasFirst lines: "No he podido contestar a sus cartas mi agradecerle por el envío de su interesante"...
Andrade, JaimeFirst lines: "A hasty note to apologize for having caused something in the nature of a minor catastrophe."... Contents index: acknowledges that claim of Merton censoring all American Trappist works is not correct and that he is only to censor the poems of a nun of Mother Angela's community at Wrentham / asking leniency in this endeavor.
Angela, Rev. Mother, O.C.S.O.First lines: "It is never a bother to me when people inquire about, or drop in to look at, "The Holy Family" by"... Contents index: Rousseau's "The Holy Family" / enclosing a color transparency to accompany «Art and Worship» book [not enclosed herein].
Bonner, Paul HydeFirst lines: "It was very good to get your letter, the pictures, and especially the picture of the model"... Contents index: Merton's feedback and suggestions after seeing a picture of the model statue - other thoughts on American art / invitation to come to Gethsemani - Merton's desire to visit Ecuador / proposal for "a new form of monastic life" near Quito - in contact with life of the region and the soil, but also with the culture of the city / no monastic habit, no emphasis on apostolate or education / Merton "a revolutionist" but non-violent.
Merton, ThomasFirst lines: "If I were free to do what I thought best myself, or if I could get permission to do it somehow (and"... Contents index: [this is a fragment of a longer letter of the same date] proposal for "a new form of monastic life" near Quito - in contact with life of the region and the soil, but also with the culture of the city / no monastic habit, no emphasis on apostolate or education / Merton "a revolutionist" but non-violent.
Merton, ThomasFirst lines: "Gracias por su atenta carta de 18 de julio por el cheque de quinientos dólares que"...
Merton, ThomasFirst lines: "Your letter arrived this morning and I enjoyed all of it very much. I reply immediately to your"... Contents index: [verso of card: photo and text, "Statue of St. Bernard (by Peter Watts) Abbey of Gethsemani, Ky."].
Merton, ThomasFirst lines: "Ayude - une também visto:"...
Anastácio, Timóteo Amoroso, Fr., O.S.B.First lines: "It was very good to get your delightful letter and to learn about all of you-- Sally, Taylor, Anne,"... Contents index: [verso: photo of statue of St. Bernard by Peter Watts / Abbey of Gethsemani] Mrs. Gaither / masses said for Merton.
Merton, ThomasFirst lines: "Circunstancia espacialísimas me han impedido escribí a usted dando contestación"... Contents index: [see 1958/11/16 letter for an English translation of this letter].
Merton, ThomasFirst lines: "Special circumstances have prevented my writing to you to thank you for the 2 pieces of literature"... Contents index: [translation of 1958/11/12 letter] Merton's poem "Prometheus" / Mother and Child statue taking shape - child must hold something: branch, fruit, root / not interested in Trappist foundation in Quito - vices of colonial times, cultural loss, exploitation of the people by Church / books requested from Cultural Center - Julio Endara.
Andrade, JaimeFirst lines: "I am grateful to you for your long and interesting letter, and for your thoughtful, sincere answer"... Contents index: Child in statue should be holding a "fruit, flower or leaf" indigenous to South America - not corn because of associations with bad art / acknowledges problems with the monastic mission in Ecuador, but sees value in a cultural and social mission to Indians - opposition from orthodox Communists.
Merton, ThomasFirst lines: "I am grateful to you for your long and interesting letter, and for your thoughtful, sincere answer"... Contents index: Child in statue should be holding a "fruit, flower or leaf" indigenous to South America - not corn because of associations with bad art / acknowledges problems with the monastic mission in Ecuador, but sees value in a cultural and social mission to Indians - opposition from orthodox Communists.
Merton, Thomas