Thomas Merton Monk

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I just picked up The Seven Story Mountain this week…I haven’t read him before but was recomended this by a Sister at the Archabbey…she said it is a very transformative book for some.
 
http://www.spencerabbey.org/

Just click on Retreats at St Joseph’s Abbey

They changed the format and now you can make a reservation on-line or by phone.

They take 12 people on a week-end.

The retreat house is separate from the cloister, but from November 1 to April 1st, you are taken to the chapel through the cloister. The other months you go to the guests side of the Abbey Chapel, where the monk will open the side door for you.

The rooms are private with a private bath and the retreat house has it’s own separate chapel. Silence is strictly observed, especially in the Abbey Church.

Meals are taken without talking. The retreat master will play music or an audio book.
After meals, the retreatants clear the tables and wash the dishes.

There is time for confession, and they offer a talk on Saturday Morning. You can also request to speak with a priest for spiritual direction.

You can participate in the Liturgy of the Hours, beginning with Vigils 3:30 AM and finishing with Compline at 8PM. Daily Mass in the morning is also available and retreatants sit in the rear of the Abbey Church rather than the visitors sides. Sunday Mass is awesome !

Jim
 
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I’m only vaguely familiar with Merton. I’m borrowing a book of his from my parish called The Sign of Jonas. Does anyone know if this is a unique book, or if it’s just a “compilation” of sorts of his other works?
 
From what I watched from the video -
It’s his thoughts - during the year - before being ordained in.
 
I just might consider this !
I have no idea where Spencer is.
Never heard of the town before either - lol
I’m 10 minutes near to Boston.
Fascinating - looking at the link.
Great share !
 
It’s north west of Worcester, or West of Princeton, where Mt Wachusett is.

I’ve met guys from Boston, Falmouth and New York City on retreat there.

Jim
 
I am quite fond of Thomas Merton. I read the Seven Story Mountain a few years ago and have picked up several of his other books. Very insightful in my view.
 
I liked the seven story mountain.

Gethsemane is only about 2 hours from me, I really need to get there sometime.
 
Fair enough.
Remember you are buying the books of a brainy guy though.
 
Merton was ahead of his time, not unlike many prophets. He saw the good in other religions and advocated ecumenism before Vatican II.
The Seven Story Mountain is a classic. It had a huge impact when it first came out, bringing many to the Church, retreats, and religious vocations. I love that book.
However, it was written when Merton was very young–in his 20s–and he went on to become much more thoughtful, deep, profound, in his spiritual life. He was a prolific writer of spiritual works.
There’s nothing at all controversial about him. He “was” controversial in his day, among some Catholics, because of his prophetic voice. That’s pretty typical.
 
I live in Massachusetts 🐣
Never been on a “ retreat “ before.
Interesting.
There are a lot of retreats in Massachusetts.

I’ve not made a retreat to St. Joseph’s Abbey, but I know a lot of people who have. To a person, they have all said it was a wonderful experience. It is a little pricey compared to others, but people seemed to get a lot out of it.

You may want to consider a Cursillo. They are a great experience and you will leave on fire with your faith. It is a good experience for younger people. Both the Boston and Worcester Dioceses have active Cursillo organizations.

If you check the religious orders, you will find information about retreats. A lot of parishes have them. Your diocese has them as well. The Catholic radio station, 89.3 WQPH in Fitchburg and Shirley runs several retreats and pilgrimages each year.

If you do a little research, you should find some great experiences.
 
I don’t know. I guess I just wanted to state my opinion. Sorry.
 
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