Jim Forest, Brother Paul Quenon at Chicago Cenacle

Thomas Merton OCSO

 Seventy years ago, a young man named Thomas Merton entered the Abbey of Gethsemani near Louisville, Kentucky.  Merton went on to become an acclaimed 20th century author whose brilliant writings have been revered worldwide. He inspired a generation of Catholics with a modern story of conversion in The Seven Storey Mountain, and called them to a deeper inner life with Seeds of Contemplation.  His vital capacity to inspire people to embrace the Gospel of Jesus Christ in all its radical depth continues to invigorate readers and motivate activists.

Two men who were very close to Thomas Merton will be visiting the Chicago area this spring for talks hosted by the Cenacle Sisters at the Chicago Cenacle, 513 Fullerton Parkway, Chicago, and cosponsored by the Chicago Chapter of the International Thomas Merton Society. This is a rare opportunity to hear personal stories about Merton, who remains much loved and appreciated, and whose writings continue to enlighten and energize people around the world.

Jim Forest

Jim Forest will discuss “Dorothy Day and Thomas Merton: A Special Friendship,” at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 5, at the Cenacle.  Jim became a close friend of Merton in the early 1960s, and his life work promoting peace and reconciliation was nurtured by his friendships with both Merton and Dorothy Day. In his own right, Jim is a model of Christian hope, compassion and social action.  A founder of the Catholic Peace Fellowship and former General Secretary of the International Fellowship of Reconciliation, he is the author of many books, including Living With Wisdom – A Life of Thomas Merton; Praying with Icons; The Ladder of the Beatitudes; and The Road to Emmaus: Pilgrimage as a Way of Life. Together with his wife Nancy, Jim is is co-Secretary of the Orthodox Peace Fellowship. He is also editor of the journal In Communion.  In 1989, he received the Peacemaker Award from Notre Dame University's Institute for International Peace Studies. He is currently launching his new book, All is Grace: a Biography of Dorothy Day, and will sign copies following the talk (books will be available to purchase).

Dorothy Day

Seating is limited. Tickets are $10 and may be ordered by sending a check payable to CC-ITMS to ITMS, P.O. Box 31931, Chicago, IL 60631. Registration deadline is April 28.  Discounted parking is available at Children’s Memorial Hospital parking garage for $6 with Cenacle validation. For more information, email merton2011@gmail.com or call 773-447-3989. Hosted by the Cenacle Sisters and cosponsored by the Chicago Chapter of the International Thomas Merton Society.

Brother Paul Quenon OCSO

Brother Paul Quenon, OCSO, a passionate poet, artist and photographer who melds the solitude of being a Trappist monk with universal spirituality, will share his wisdom and gentle wit from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, June 12, at the Cenacle. Brother Paul was a novice under Thomas Merton at Gethsemani Abbey, where he remains a member of the monastic community. He will speak on "What Really Matters: Reflections from a Contemplative Life," sharing remembrances of Thomas Merton, who was his spiritual director, and reflecting on his 50 years as a Trappist monk. He will also read poems from his three poetry collections, as well as poems of Thomas Merton that open a window on the contemplative life. Accomplished in his own right for being a talented writer who weaves emotion, vivid imagery and spirituality into his poetry and books, Quenon is a powerful presenter whose quiet presence and universal wisdom speaks to the soul. His book Monkswear includes simple yet profound images of monastic life portrayed through poetry and photography.  His work incorporates humor, reflective passages and personal accounts that inspire readers to step out of the modern world and into one of gentle beauty. It should be a great event and chance to be with Brother Paul in an informal setting.  There will be refreshments and the program is open to the public. A freewill offering will be taken.

Jim will be available after the talk to sign copies of his biographies of Dorothy Day and Thomas Merton.

The International Thomas Merton Society is holding its 12^th General Conference June 9-12 at Loyola University’s lakefront campus, and featuring Dr. Martin Marty, Esther de Waal, Bishop Robert F. Morneau and Dr. Douglas Burton-Christie, as well as some 35 speakers, workshops and presentations.  For more information or to register, visit www.merton.org/chicago or contact Site Coordinator Mike Brennan at 773-447-3989.