The Thomas Merton Center at Bellarmine University

Selected Correspondence, Documents and Telegrams

After Thomas Merton's death many friends and correspondents sent messages of condolence to his community at the Abbey of Gethsemani.   

Robert Giroux
   
Ethel Kennedy
   
Mark Van Doren


In response to the messages of condolence the community received a circular letter was mailed, accompanied by a mimeograph of the account of Merton's death sent to the Abbey by the Trappist delegates at the Bangkok conference.

   
Letter from the Monks of Gethsemani
December 19, 1968
   
Mimeograph of the Letter from Trappist Delegates
distributed by the Abbey of Gethsemani
December 11, 1968

"In death Father Louis' face was set in a great and deep peace and it was obvious that he had found Him Whom he had searched for so diligently."



Circular Letter from Matthew Kelty, OCSO.
Sent to Friends.

American Foreign Service Report
of Thomas Merton's Death
Death Certificate -
Official Translation
Doctor's Certificate -
Official Translation

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