Wygal, James

Dr. James Wygal was a friend of Merton and served as his psychiatrist during the 1960's. He began work with Gethsemani Abbey's novices in the mid-1950's. For Merton, it may have been an excuse to see a friend and go to Louisville as therapy. He notes in his journals about listening to jazz records with Wygal and once going instead of his appointment with Fr. John Loftus of Bellarmine College to see live jazz. Besides his professional contact with Merton, Wygal served as part of the group raising money for a Merton Room at Bellarmine College.