About Thomas Merton
Thomas Merton (January 31, 1915 – December 10, 1968), religious name M. Louis, was an American Trappist monk, theologian, mystic, poet, and social activist. He was a professed member of the Abbey of Our Lady of Gethsemani, near Bardstown, Kentucky, living there from 1941 to his death. Merton wrote more than 50 books in a period of 27 years, mostly on spirituality, social justice, and pacifism, as well as scores of essays and reviews. Among Merton's most widely-read works is his bestselling autobiography The Seven Storey Mountain (1948). Merton was a keen proponent of interfaith understanding, exploring Eastern religions through study and practice. He pioneered dialogue with prominent Asian spiritual figures. In March 1942, during the first Sunday of Lent, Merton was accepted as a novice. Bonaventure University, founded by the Franciscans on the outskirts of Olean, New York.
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