Merton: Poetry & Contemplation Retreat

Thomas Merton expressed himself in poetry throughout his time at Gethsemani Abbey and his vocation as a writer and a monk from his earliest published book to one of his last unfinished projects. Sometimes his poetry extolled the contemplative life, but often he used the tools of poetry and contemplation to reflect on the divine and on nature, while at times expressing thoughts on the modern world. Mark Meade will provide retreatants a sampling of the many diverse styles of Merton’s poetry, provide their context in Merton’s life and the world of his time, and open a space to listen and meditate on Merton’s words. Retreatants will have the rare opportunity to visit Merton’s hermitage at Gethsemani and hear poetry read by Br. Paul Quenon, OCSO, himself a poet, photographer, and a former novice of Merton’s. There will be ample time to spend in the natural beauty of the Nazareth Retreat Center and the grounds of Gethsemani Abbey and opportunities to pray with the monks of Gethsemani during the Liturgy of the Hours. The retreat price includes a copy of In the Dark Before Dawn: New Selected Poems by Thomas Merton.

Mark C. Meade is the assistant director of the Thomas Merton Center in Louisville and is a past president of the International Thomas Merton Society. In over 20 years at the Center, he has given tours to thousands of guests and presented internationally on Thomas Merton.