Bishop Robert Barron, in several videos, mentions the writings of Thomas Merton and his famous autobiography titled:  The Seven Storey Mountain.  I have had this book on my reading list for quite some time.  While researching places to see in Kentucky, I discovered the Abbey of Gethsemani.  It was through this research that I also learned of Thomas Merton’s connection to the abbey.

The Abbey of Gethsemani is a Catholic monastery and part of the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance, better known as the Trappists.  This abbey is the motherhouse of all Trappist and Trappistine monasteries in the United States.  The Trappist monks live a contemplative life of prayer and work following the Rule of Saint Benedict.

In 1847, two monks from the Abbey of Melleray in France were sent to Kentucky to purchase a tract of land to build a monastery.  The bishop of Louisville introduced the monks to land owned by the Sisters of Loretto called Gethsemani.  In 1848, forty-three monks of the Abbey of Melleray arrived at Gethsemani on December 21 and celebrated Christmas Mass a few days later.  In 1851, the grounds at Gethsemani were declared the Proto-Abbey of the New World.  Construction of the three-story monastery began in October 1852 and was modeled after the Abbey of Melleray in France.

Thomas Merton lived at the Abbey of Gethsemani from 1941 until his death in 1968.  Merton was an American Trappist monk and was ordained a priest in 1949.  In addition to his autobiography, Merton wrote more than 50 books in a period of 27 years with a focus on spirituality and social justice.

Merton’s given name was M. Louis.  He was born in France in 1915.  His parents were of Welsh descent.  His father was a New Zealand painter active in Europe and the United States.  His mother was an American Quaker and artist.  Merton’s autobiography – The Seven Storey Mountain – is on the National Review’s list of the 100 best nonfiction books of the century.  In this book, Merton provides an account of his spiritual journey as he wrestled with faith.  I bought the book at the Abbey gift shop and can’t wait to start reading it.

Let me know in the comments below if you have read The Seven Storey Mountain.  If you haven’t read it and would like a copy, click on the title to purchase a copy on Amazon.

During midday prayer at the abbey, I had the opportunity to hear the beautiful music from the monks as they lifted their voices in prayer to God.  I know you will enjoy the video.

The Abbey of Gethsemani was another great find in this beautiful country. The United States has many wonderful treasures rooted firmly in the Catholic faith. I hope you enjoyed traveling with me through Ohio and Kentucky. I am gearing up for my next adventure to Sicily and Malta. Stay tuned for more blogs.

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