Scholar, Author Michael Higgins Discusses Thomas Merton

During the celebration of the centenary of the birth of Thomas Merton, author Michael W. Higgins continues to capture the enduring relevance of the life and thoughts of this Trappist monk, spiritual writer and social critic who remains one of the most influential religious figures of recent time.

A distinguished scholar and radio documentarian for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, Mr. Higgins will present “Thomas Merton: The Unquiet Monk” on Sunday, October 25, at 2:30 p.m. as part of the fall season Maryknoll Speakers Series. The presentation will be held at the Maryknoll Mission Center at 55 Ryder Road in Ossining. Presented by the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, the series is free and open to the public.

Reservations are requested and can be made by email (MaryknollSpeakersSeries@maryknoll.org), or by calling 914-941-7636 extension 2445. Additional information and directions can be found online.

Thomas Merton joined the Abbey of Gethsemane in Kentucky following his conversion to Catholicism while a student at Columbia University. He became a voice of conscience and compassion that spoke to the spiritual and social concerns of the world. Mr. Higgins will discuss the enduring relevance of Merton’s life and thought from Merton’s prophetic vision of humanity’s struggle for unity to his response to war, social disorder and the human condition to his exploration of interreligious dialogue at the end of his life.

Mr. Higgins is the author of many books, including “Thomas Merton: Faithful Visionary.” He presently is vice president for Catholic Mission and Identity at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut.

Visit Museum, Gift Shop

On the same day that Maryknoll welcomes Mr. Higgins, the Maryknoll Museum of Living Mission and the Maryknoll Gift Shop will be open to the public 1-5 p.m. A new temporary exhibit in the museum features the photos of nature’s beauty by Maryknoll Brother John Argauer.

The Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers follow Jesus in serving the poor and others in need in 23 countries that include the U.S. All Catholics are called to mission through baptism and confirmation, and Maryknoll’s mission education outreach in parishes and schools throughout the country engages U.S. Catholics in mission through vocations, prayer, donations and as volunteers. Maryknoll missioners share God’s love and the Gospel in combating poverty, providing healthcare, building communities and promoting human rights. For more information, visit the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers.

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