At Bellarmine, we find our Catholic identity in the inclusive spirit of Thomas Merton and believe in the search for the true self, the interconnectedness of life and the solidarity of the human spirit, which transcends ethnic, religious and social divisions. In this spirit, we envision a future where Thomas Merton’s work is more accessible to the larger world and will find greater presence within our community and region as it interconnects with collaborative efforts across disciplinary boundaries.
About Thomas Merton
Thomas Merton (1915-1968) was a groundbreaking leader who is arguably the most influential Catholic author of the 20th century. His far-reaching influence speaks to the hearts of millions around the world, including Pope Francis and His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. His ecumenical approach – to affirm others and explore the human condition – is how he engaged continuously with new ideas and influences in his lifetime. His transformational journey and biography are remarkable for their merits, as are his 50+ books, written over a period of 20 years, and his perceptive emphasis on interfaith understanding.
The Thomas Merton Center
Merton’s perspectives on peace, human rights, the environment and social issues; his principles; and his important ecumenical legacy may be found in the Thomas Merton Center at Bellarmine University, which is the official repository for Merton’s artistic estate and the archives of more than 50,000 Merton-related materials. The Thomas Merton Center’s archived and curated collection includes his literary estate, manuscripts and typescripts of Merton’s books and essays; 20,000 pieces of correspondence involving over 2,100 correspondents; 900 drawings; 1,300 photographs; more than 600 hours of audio-taped conferences delivered by Merton to his community at Gethsemani; several hundred volumes from Merton’s personal library; items translated into 35 languages; over 500 master’s and doctoral theses, audiovisual materials and a growing collection of drawings, paintings, fiber art and sculptures depicting Merton; and a special collection of watercolors by Merton’s father, Owen.
Bellarmine’s Ongoing Merton Spirit
In February 1965, Merton wrote to Bellarmine’s founding president, Msgr. Alfred F. Horrigan, about his love for the institution: “This bond with Bellarmine College is to me a continued honor and joy.”
In the 55 years since the Thomas Merton Center was founded, Bellarmine has matured into a university with an institutional heritage and identity that are profoundly and inextricably linked to Merton’s life and work, and he continues to serve as a guide for our institutional priorities, mission and purpose. Merton shapes the Bellarmine community’s understanding of our mission to educate the whole person as part of an interconnected world, and his work informs our values of Academic Excellence, Intrinsic Dignity, Social Responsibility, Integrity, Hospitality and Stewardship. In more tangible ways, Merton’s quotes are found throughout campus; students visit the statue of Merton for good luck before exams; and members of Bellarmine’s community often use the refrain “In the Merton spirit” as a foundation for our academic and community-focused activities and initiatives.