Who Was Thomas Merton? Film Explores Influential Catholic Writer

The documentary film "Who Cares About The Saints?", released by Loyola Productions, explores the lives and legacies of saints from the time of Peter to the era of Thomas Merton, the 20th century Catholic priest.

In this excerpted segment, regular HuffPost Religion contributor Rev. James Martin, S.J. discusses the fascinating biography of the Trappist Monk, Thomas Merton, who became a prolific writer on the topics of spirituality, peace, and interfaith understanding.

(Hat tip: America Magazine)

WATCH:

Who Cares about the Saints? (Thomas Merton) from Loyola Productions on Vimeo.

Comments

[Fabini]

05:41 PM on 06/03/2011

I recommend, Contemplation In A World of Action.

[JOHNSPEAKS]

12:30 PM on 06/02/2011

How did a film about this Catholic writer get to be made with Hollywood and the -Gay- lobby so anti Catholic or was this Catholic writer one of them???

[Ed Schoberl]

02:20 PM on 06/02/2011

How can you criticize with your head up your $%# ??? Just sayin..

[70randy]

06:47 AM on 06/02/2011

This was one fantastic fellow. Bursting with humor and with an overall positive view of everything which is important for humanity. Depressed at times trying to come to terms with the utter stupidity of much of mankind and the vacuous view many hold in their lives. Still, always positive. Used to say that 'all's in the bag'. Always a man of hope and seeing the positive and humorous side of mankind. Try the site below for more of his outlook. You might just enjoy it.

http://mertonocso.wordpress.com/

[nlightenup]

11:32 PM on 06/01/2011

Goodness, Desmond Tutu and Thomas Merton stories appearing on HP all in the same day--two of my favorites. Now if something showed up by or about Tessa Bielecki, that'd be my religion section trifecta.

[ZENNEPHI]

06:57 PM on 06/01/2011

The Christian Trappist Cistercian Order by its' very name is a "misnomer".
The Abbot and Novice ore Postulent Brother or Priest, are not a "converting"
Arm of Rome. Thus no iniate is "Trapped" into diverse doctorine.
The laity that lodge at the Monastic Retreatent House are "guided by
example", and permitted to ascertain the vaste holdings of the Vaticans
Archives. A Journal is never antiquated, if you haven't absorbed it.
Prayer is the Hearts Sincere Desire. Thus the Office Hours of Gregorian
Chants, create a "Harmonic Convergence" with the Heavens.
Prayer, applied with the ever present mind of manuel labor is a
"Simple-Gift". Giving back to the Creator, with deep gratitude and
fervor. Many supplicants find gratitude in serving there "Maker" in
the Market Place. To be Chaste, living in Creative Poverty is a
"Gift of Vocation". May you discern the path that enlightens.

[HowthCastle]

11:02 PM on 06/01/2011

The name Trappist is taken from the name of their original monastery, at La Trappe in France.

[Indigo1941]

08:54 AM on 06/02/2011

Thank you. And may you learn English grammar.

[MilesToGo]

06:06 PM on 06/01/2011

(continuation...post above got clipped) and Tibet, where Merton recognized their sanctity and holiness, and they his. Merton's correspondence with scholars of religion reveal that he hardly considered his Catholicism an exclusive path to follow on the spiritual walk. Merton knew the key work was on one's interior, to open the Eye of the Heart, so to speak. One of his last books, "New Seeds of Contemplation" is masterful.

[MilesToGo]

05:51 PM on 06/01/2011

Very nice commentary, Rev. Martin. Prior to Merton's death in Bangkok, he had visited Buddhist monks in India

[ZenSufi]

06:15 PM on 06/01/2011

...and became good friends with the Dalai Lama. Great monks think alike.

[dharmadhatuzoo]

06:43 AM on 06/02/2011

...and with Chogyam Trungpa. Great monks do not drink alike, apparently.