The Thomas Merton Center at Bellarmine University



Advanced Search 


Merton's Correspondence with:

Sr. M. Therese Lentfoehr; Sr. Thérèse Lentfoehr; Lentfoehr, Therese, Sr.; Sr. Therese Lentfoehr

Lentfoehr, Thérèse, Sr., S.D.S., 1902-1981  printer

 
 

Descriptive Summary

Record Group: Section A - Correspondence
Dates of materials: 1948-1982, bulk 1948-1968
Volume: 249 item(s); 387 pg(s)

Scope and Content

Biography

Sr. Thérèse Lentfoehr was a Salvatorian religious sister, who was a poet, author, lecturer and one of the foremost early Merton scholars. She was born and lived most of her life in Wisconsin. She first contacted Merton in 1939 in praise of one of his poems, and she contacted him again in 1948 to discuss Merton's review of Lentfoehr's book of Marian poems, I Sing of a Maiden. From this time, Merton and Lentfoehr became regular correspondents until Merton's death in 1968. Merton would often send her his manuscripts, and amassed a large early Merton collection, which she donated to Columbia University. In 1967, Lentfoehr came to Gethsemani to visit Merton. (Source: The Road to Joy, p. 187.)

Usage Guidelines and Restrictions

Please click here for general restrictions concerning Merton's correspondence.

Related Information and Links

See also Cold War Letters #20, published in The Road to Joy, pp. 187-263.

Other Finding Aids

If the person in correspondence with Merton has full text records in the Merton Center Digital Collections, there will be a numeric link to them below.
   

Series List

This Record Sub-Group is not divided into Series and is arranged chronologically.

Container List

Click icons for links: ✓="Published | Library Record", ✉="Scanned" | 🗷="Scanned, Viewable Only at Merton Center"


#DateFrom/ToFirst LinesPub ✓Notes
 y/m/dMerton Scan ✉ 
1. 1946/05/20 TLS[x] to Laughlin, James I am writing to ask permission to include in an anthology of poems on the Blessed Virgin Mary «detailed view»
2. 1946/06/22 TLS[x] to Laughlin, James Thank you very much for your letter of May 31st in which you stated that I might have permission «detailed view»
3. 1948/11/03 HLS[x] from Merton Your literally overwhelming letter has had to wait a week for an answer, and I apologize not only «detailed view»
4. 1948/11/18 TLS[x] from Merton It would be inhuman for a person to resist the temptation to answer such a beautiful letter as your «detailed view»
5. 1948/12/27 TLS[x] from Merton This time it was my turn to faint! I have never had such a marvelous Christmas present. «detailed view»
6. 1949/01/18 TALS[x] from Merton Your beautiful letters have gone unanswered for a long time, and if I do not do something about them «detailed view»
7. 1949/02/19 TLS[x] from Merton Many thanks for your beautiful letters, your notes, the letters of Father Ellard and his articles «detailed view»
8. 1949/04/26 TLS[x] from Merton Easter overwhelmed me with presents and favors from Milwaukee. You have outdone yourself, «detailed view»
9. 1949/05/13 TLS[x] from Merton Many thanks for your kind letter, so full of interesting things, and of solicitude. «detailed view»
10. 1949/06/02 TALS[x] from Merton At last I have a moment to breathe and I can at least write you a short letter. Even a long one «detailed view»
11. 1949/06/06 TLS[x] to Laughlin, James This morning I received a note from Father Louis OCR (Thomas Merton) asking me to send you proposed anthology of Catholic poetry «detailed view»
12. 1949/06/09 TL[x] from Laughlin, James Thank you ever so much for sending in your fine poems for Father Merton's anthology. proposed anthology of Catholic poetry «detailed view»
13. 1949/06/17 TLS[x] from Merton Well, first of all, about the relic of the True Cross. I spoke of it again to Rev. Father, but he «detailed view»
14. 1949/07/15 TLS[x] from Merton At last I can get around to your delightful letters-- I mean to answer it. You see, I am now «detailed view»
15. 1949/08/26 TLS[x] from Merton You are too kind to me. The article is restrained and temperate and yet it is rather complimentary «detailed view»
16. 1949/08/28 TALS[x] from Merton There is a tremendous pile of correspondence on hand and I am forced to write in the middle «detailed view»
17. 1949/10/03 TLS[x] from Merton I can wish you a very happy feast day: my prayers have reached you already so it doesn't matter if «detailed view»
18. 1949/11/12 TLS[x] from Merton Here I am renovated by a retreat. Monsignor Sheen preached it and it was splendid. He took «detailed view»
19. 1950/01/07 TLS[x] from Merton I am weeks behind with everything and am at last able to write a word to thank you for the lovely «detailed view»
20. 1950/01/21 TALS[x] from Merton In haste. P.C. too. Yes I made a couple of changes. OK? Your introduction is really splendid. «detailed view»
21. 1950/02/18 TALS[x] from Merton Here is the Bob Lax poem on Our Lady. It is the only copy I have. The explanation for the two «detailed view»
22. 1950/04/08 TLS[x] from Merton Since I am a Trappist, I suppose words ought to fail me. But even though I am a most «detailed view»
23. 1950/04/17 TLS[x] from Merton Many thanks for your Easter Letter and all that went with it-- especially the nice enlarged copy «detailed view»
24. 1950/05/06 TLS[x] from Merton As usual I have a score of things to thank you for and I am far behind with all of them. «detailed view»
25. 1950/06/03 TALS[x] from Merton Your marvelous anniversary gift leaves me practically inarticulate. It came, by a happy «detailed view»
26. 1950/07/04 TLS[x] to Connolly, Terence As I was about to sit down to thank you for your late letter and to express my appreciation of your photocopies of pages from the manuscript of The Seven Storey Mountain sent to Lentfoehr and discrepancies in numbering and completeness «detailed view»
27. 1950/07/10 TLS[x] from Merton This word should reach you before your bid day. I have been hoping to scrape up some other business «detailed view»
28. 1950/07/11 TLS[x] from Merton A photographer was here doing some color work and he wanted to take a picture of me: so here it is. «detailed view»
29. 1950/07/31 TALS[x] from Merton By now you ought to be back from your tour. I hope you had a good time and even a rest-- «detailed view»
30. 1950/08/03 TLS[x] to Connolly, Terence Accept this belated "thank you" for your great kindness in having the pages photostated for me. photocopies of pages from the manuscript of The Seven Storey Mountain sent to Lentfoehr and discrepancies in numbering and completeness «detailed view»
31. 1950/08/19 TLS[x] from Merton Tomorrow is the feast of the rock whence I am hewn-- St Bernard-- and whom you have brought «detailed view»
32. 1950/09/03 TALS[x] from Merton The St Bernard reference (on studies) is, I think "L. Martin, O.P., "Formation Theologique de S. «detailed view»
33. 1950/09/11 TLS[x] from Merton Many thanks-- this is written in haste to get it off in the mail tonight. Yes, by all means send «detailed view»
34. 1950/09/26 TLS[x] from Merton You should have been told a long time ago, but I forgot to mention it in the last letter. «detailed view»
35. 1950/09/30 TLS[x] from Merton For your feast day I send you first of all my best wishes and the promise of special prayers «detailed view»
36. 1950/10/22 TLS[x] from Merton The blue paper bound copies of the notes have begun to arrive. We are all swept off our feet «detailed view»
37. 1950/10/31 TLS[x] from Merton Returning this to you at once. Many thanks, I had forgotten all about it. It was one «detailed view»
38. 1950/11/29 TALS[x] from Merton This is going to be a very laconic note. It is wedged in between the hospital and our annual «detailed view»
39. 1951/01/08 TLS[x] from Merton Only now, after Epiphany, am I beginning to answer Christmas letters. It has been a terrible delay, «detailed view»
40. 1951/02/10 TLS[x] from Merton To pour some oil in the wounds-- and as a surprise (for I have to write in Lent now, whether «detailed view»
41. 1951/03/01 TLS[x] from Merton Many many thanks for the wonderful job on the Journal. I can easily fill in the spaces «detailed view»
42. 1951/04/28 TLS[x] from Merton Our "Father Immediate" has just arrived for the regular visitation and as I am secretary for these «detailed view»
43. 1951/05/21 TLS[x] from Merton You must be anxious to know whether I received your beautiful poem. There are many reasons why «detailed view»
44. 1951/05/26 TLS[x] from Merton This must be your time to do special penance. Our Lady must want to see your heart purified more «detailed view»
45. 1951/06/05 TLS[x] from Merton Really I haven't the faintest idea of the data but I think it must be around the 5th. It is Tuesday «detailed view»
46. 1951/07/07 TLS[x] from Merton Many thanks for yet another letter full of relics of Pius X whose life we are now reading «detailed view»
47. 1951/07/13 TLS[x] from Merton May God bless you and give you joy on your anniversary. Be sure that I am praying for you in a most «detailed view»
48. 1951/09/11 TLS[x] from Fox, James The notes that you forwarded here in regard to Father Louis' Journal arrived safely. Do you have «detailed view»
49. 1951/09/22 TLS[x] from Fox, James We received the latest package of manuscripts, the notes and the carbon. They arrived in good time. «detailed view»
50. 1951/09/25 TALS[x] from Merton It seems as though the Feast of St Louis (when I received your charming note) was just the day «detailed view»
51. 1951/10/08 TLS[x] from Merton Please forgive me for not acknowledging before now the typescript of the Journal which you sent «detailed view»
52. 1951/10/no? TALS[x] from Merton Many thanks for the notes. Please do not think me excessively careless in overlooking a couple «detailed view»
53. 1951/11/01 TNS[x] from Merton Sure by all means use any pre-monastery material and the Bermuda painting and any Trappist mug «detailed view»
54. 1951/11/27 TALS[x] from Merton Thanks for the note from Ed and for the card about St Benet's and the letter about it too-- «detailed view»
55. 1951/12/19 TLS[x] from Merton If this is to reach you by Christmas I had better hurry to get it into the mail. I am sending you «detailed view»
56. 1952/01/04 TLS[x] from Merton On the feast of St Therese's baptism I take a fleeting occasion to let you know my joy at receiving «detailed view»
57. 1952/02/04 TALS[x] from Merton Many thanks for these sheets. I have made the corrections. Perhaps the corrections are even less «detailed view»
58. 1952/03/27 TALS[x] from Merton The books reached me in time for Our Lady's Feast. On that day (I opened the box the day before) «detailed view»
59. 1952/04/25 HPCS[x] from Merton Yes, the little volume of Rilke arrived safely and I am delighted with it. I have always liked [postcard from 1952/05/01 photocopied on the same page - postmarked Milwaukee, though sent from Trappist, KY] «detailed view»
60. 1952/05/12 HPCS from Merton I am sorry I have no idea how our last card got delayed or how it happened to be post-marked as it [photocopied on the same page as postcard from 1952/04/26] «detailed view»
61. 1952/07/12 TLS[x] from Merton Thank you for your letter which I am sorry not to have answered sooner. Bob Giroux was down «detailed view»
62. 1952/07/27 TALS[x] from Merton Here is the remaining matter, on De Praecepto et Dispensatione, I think I marked it as Part V. «detailed view»
63. 1952/08/18 TLS[x] from Merton Forgive my delay in sending you this. It was the last copy in the house and I had given it «detailed view»
64. 1952/09/02 TALS[x] from Merton Your letter arrived yesterday, and I had been thinking of the notes which I had failed to check for «detailed view»
65. 1952/09/18 TLS[x] from Merton This is just a note to thank you for your letter for Our Lady's Name's Day and for the book «detailed view»
66. 1952/09/27 HLS[x] from Merton The notes arrived and they are really splendid. You outdid yourself in the way you organized «detailed view»
67. 1952/11/06 TLS[x] from Merton The Fearless Heart reached me today and reminded you that I had not yet answered your letter «detailed view»
68. 1952/12/25? HCS[x] from Merton Christmas blessings and joy in the Infant Savior-- f m Louis. «detailed view»
69. 1953/01/20 TLS[x] from Merton Please forgive me. I wrote you a letter in my own fine Italian hand and then carried it around «detailed view»
70. 1953/02/19 TLS[x] from Merton First of all, whenever I begin a letter to you, I have to think back and recall how many presents «detailed view»
71. 1953/03/16 TLS[x] from Merton On the eve of St Patrick's, I am slipping these notes to you under the Lenten iron-curtain, hoping «detailed view»
72. 1953/04/30 TLS[x] from Merton Forgive me for having caused you anxiety by my delay in writing. No, I had not written at Easter. «detailed view»
73. 1953/05/20 TALS[x] from Merton I usually feel very good after reading my notes in your typing, and this last batch is no exception. «detailed view»
74. 1953/06/06 TLS[x] from Merton Your card arrived and I was happy to know you were settled at Wausau for the summer. How the good «detailed view»
75. 1953/06/30 TALS[x] from Merton This ribbon is getting a bit dim and June is drawing to a close but I hope I can use up the end «detailed view»
76. 1953/07/26 HLS[x] from Merton Here are the orientation notes functionally complete. However I have still to finish one part, «detailed view»
77. 1953/08/18 TLS[x] from Merton Here, now, are the last of this year's conferences. At least I believe so. I am sure I have sent «detailed view»
78. 1953/09/26 TLS[x] from Merton These notes have been help up a little, as I have had no time for anything whatever. «detailed view»
79. 1953/10/21 TLS[x] from Merton I consulted Father Abbot yesterday about the chances of our running off the stencils here. «detailed view»
80. 1953/11/20 TLS[x] from Merton Your good letter was only given to me yesterday so I had to send you a wire with the correction you «detailed view»
81. 1953/12/02 TLS[x] from Merton Today is, I believe, the "feast" of Bl. John Ruysbroeck. I hope he will bless the fortunes «detailed view»
82. 1953/12/19 TLS[x] from Merton Bread in the Wilderness was sent to you yesterday and should be reaching you soon. «detailed view»
83. 1954/01/21 TLS[x] from Merton St Agnes will not let me go any longer without writing to you, and thanking you for the companions, «detailed view»
84. 1954/02/26 (#01) TLS[x] from Merton In the last moments before Lent I am writing belatedly to thank you for the manuscript «detailed view»
85. 1954/02/26? (#02) other[x] from Merton This is my friend La Soledad of Camaguey [-] to Sister Thérèse–with wishes for a holy and happy Lent [see verso for explanatory note on provenance - holy card with a prayer in Spanish and picture of a statue of Nostra Señora de la Soledad that Merton obtained in Cuba in 1940 at the Church of La Soledad in Camaguey, given to Sr. Thérèse in 1954 (seemingly before Lent and possibly with his letter of February)] «detailed view»
86. 1954/03/03 HPCS[x] from Merton In our letter the other day I completely forgot to thank you for the books. [photocopied on same page as 1954/06/19] «detailed view»
87. 1954/06/19 TLS[x] from Merton I have been hunting around for your last letter, because I know there were things in it I wanted [photocopied on same page as 1954/03/03] «detailed view»
88. 1954/07/10 TLS[x] from Merton We are on the eve of your double-feast-day and I want to get this letter to you by then, to bring «detailed view»
89. 1954/09/01 HLS[x] from Merton Have you grown tired of waiting for my reaction to your three poems, sent at the end of July? «detailed view»
90. 1954/09/27 TALS[x] from Merton The tobacco is all in the barn-- the place is crammed-- and has been in for over a week but my work «detailed view»
91. 1954/11/29 TLS[x] from Merton Your letter was wonderful. I enjoyed every line immensely. Especially the adventures on the second «detailed view»
92. 1954/12/20 TLS[x] from Merton I have been scrounging around for something to send you this Christmas, and there is little here «detailed view»
93. 1955/01/18 TLS[x] from Merton We begin our retreat tonight, and I still have some letters to get out, so I am picking a small page «detailed view»
94. 1955/02/22 TALS[x] from Merton With the most earnest Lenten resolutions fermenting in my soul, I want to get this letter off to you «detailed view»
95. 1955/05/21 TLS[x] from Merton I was waiting to answer your Easter letter because they never found the book you were sending. «detailed view»
96. 1955/07/12 TALS[x] from Merton What hasbecome [sic] of you? I think you are so immersed in your sociology that you have forgotten «detailed view»
97. 1955/08/06 TLS[x] from Merton Your letter on St Ann's day was full of good things, and the Art notes are a joy, as usual. «detailed view»
98. 1955/09/29 TLS[x] from Merton Here are all the archangels and angels, and St Therese cannot be far off. They are her escort, «detailed view»
99. 1955/10/22 TLS[x] from Merton I was glad to hear Ed had sent you the original manuscript of Babel-- of the version that was «detailed view»
100. 1955/12/23 TLS[x] from Merton This picture of the scholastics was taken back in September before I moved over to the novitiate, «detailed view»
101. 1956/01/28 TLS[x] from Merton The notes which you mailed on the feast of St Agnes reached me today on the "octave" which we still «detailed view»
102. 1956/02/21 TLS[x] from Merton Here we are already in the first week of Lent. I must get these notes back to you, or I never will. «detailed view»
103. 1956/05/26 TLS[x] from Merton You must think I am dead for sure, this time. Have you said a De Profundis for my soul? «detailed view»
104. 1956/06/11 TLS[x] from Merton Many thanks for your kind and delightful note forthe [sic] anniversary of my ordination. «detailed view»
105. 1956/07/11 TLS[x] from Merton Today is the solemnity of St Benedict-- I regret to say we do not celebrate it in the Cistercian «detailed view»
106. 1956/09/25 (#01) TLS[x] from Merton Some time ago I obtained permission to write for your feast day, and have been waiting to do so [see also a photocopy sent by Dom James Fox to Abbot General Gabriel Sortais in Series 7 of the "Fox, James" file, includes transcript] «detailed view»
107. 1956/11/08 TLS[x] from Merton Many thanks for the All Saints letter. We have until the octave to answer and I am making the best «detailed view»
108. 1957/01/03 TLS[x] from Merton I thought I was going to have a chance to write to you long ago, but here it is almost Epiphany «detailed view»
109. 1957/04/27 TLS[x] from Merton Both your letters reached me at Easter-- as far as letter writing is concerned the Christmas season «detailed view»
110. 1957/08/21 TL[x] from Merton Here it is after the feast of St Bernard already and I haven't touched the typewriter. I had to get «detailed view»
111. 1957/10/12 TLS[x] from Merton It is ages since I got permission to send these Liturgy notes to you to be mimeographed. «detailed view»
112. 1957/11/10? TLS[x] from Merton I rush this off to you with the notes, which I have gone over rather hurriedly but I am sure [note: no year listed - formerly estimated 1958/11/10, but changed to 1957/11/10 on advice from Patrick O'Connell, April 5, 2013] «detailed view»
113. 1957/11/14 TLS[x] from Merton Very late! I had to get permission to extend the letter writing period, as I didn't have time «detailed view»
114. 1958/01/02 TLS[x] from Merton There was something marvelous, I mean providentially marvelous, in your choice of a present. «detailed view»
115. 1958/03/27 TLS[x] from Merton Here I am at last- on the very eve of Palm Sunday. Months ago I got permission to write and send «detailed view»
116. 1958/04/18 TLS[x] from Merton Just time for a short one: I have been very much caught up in everything since Easter. It was good «detailed view»
117. 1958/05/28 TLS[x] from Merton I don't know if I can get this to you in time- it may be held up in getting off, though Father Abbot «detailed view»
118. 1958/07/14 TALS[x] from Merton It is the 14th of July, French Independence day. Poor France, I haven't heard much of what has been «detailed view»
119. 1958/09/04 TLS[x] from Merton Peace. Here I am a long time after the Assumption. I still haven't written most of the Assumption «detailed view»
120. 1959/01/13 TALS[x] from Merton St Bruno arrived, a most welcome surprise. In fact, a sensation. Naturally there are few saints «detailed view»
121. 1959/02/12 TALS[x] from Merton Not only is it Lent but we are on the eve of our retreat (Friday to Friday-- please pray for us) «detailed view»
122. 1959/04/03 TLS[x] from Merton First Friday in April, Easter Friday, clouds and winds, a lovely day and I have a chance to thank «detailed view»
123. 1959/05/14 TLS[x] from Merton This is not an adequate answer to your beautiful letter- just a quick acknowledgement. I forgot «detailed view»
124. 1959/07/04 TLS[x] from Merton Here is the 4th of July and at last I am getting around to replying to your charming letters-- «detailed view»
125. 1959/07/31 TALS[x] from Merton I cannot send you the present I wanted to. Victor Hammer is ill and the special edition «detailed view»
126. 1959/09/29 TLS[x] from Merton Here are Michael and all his angels, and that means that St Therese is at the door and ready «detailed view»
127. 1959/10/no? (#01) HPCS[x] from Merton Here are a few more "things" including a magazine you probably never see. I have a couple «detailed view»
128. 1959/10/no? (#02) TALS[x] from Merton Here it is. Thanks. I hope there are no more difficulties in the new material. If there are-- «detailed view»
129. 1959/10/no? (#03) TLS[x] from Merton Here are some more manuscripts, most of which are confidential as yet and not for exhibition. «detailed view»
130. 1959/11/20 TLS[x] from Merton This is a late answer to your fine and cheering All Saints' letter. You sounded very well and happy «detailed view»
131. 1959/12/11 TL[x] from Merton I just want to get off my Christmas presents in time- mostly pictures. Myself, Lax and Ad Reinhardt «detailed view»
132. 1960/01/18 TLS[x] from Merton Here we are just about to enter into the annual retreat and I have not yet written most of my «detailed view»
133. 1960/05/30 TALS[x] from Merton I think this is the first letter I have written you with the new Royal complete with foreign accents [left edge of second page cut on photocopy] «detailed view»
134. 1960/07/20 HLS[x] from Merton Many thanks for the letter, the clippings and the charming books about the S.D.S. These are some «detailed view»
135. 1960/09/12 TLS[x] from Merton Your letters and cards and pictures from Colorado were simply wonderful and don't think I have not «detailed view»
136. 1960/12/05 TLS[x] from Merton This letter is to cover the little Broadside which I am sending you separately. «detailed view»
137. 1961/02/05 TLS[x] from Merton If I say I am ashamed of myself you will reply with reason that I ought to be. It is already «detailed view»
138. 1961/02/15 TLS[x] from Merton A very quick note, though it is Ash Wednesday. This is important and has been waiting. «detailed view»
139. 1961/04/no HPCS[x] from Merton Many thanks for your Easter letter and for the lecture- which is very good to have. I am always «detailed view»
140. 1961/05/10 TLS[x] from Merton Here we are on the vigil of the Ascension: and the first nice day for a long time. «detailed view»
141. 1961/09/19 TLS[x] from Merton It is getting close to your feast day and the weather is getting to be pleasantly Theresian, «detailed view»
142. 1962/01/11 (#01) TALS[x] from Merton I am finally getting around to your Christmas letter and to the two saints. I am most happy to have [Cold War Letter #20] «detailed view»
143. 1962/01/11 (#02) transcript from Merton As for the "extreme groups": they are going to be a difficult problem for the country and may do [Cold War Letter #20 - transcript from bound copy] «detailed view»
144. 1962/03/03 HPCS to Merton Here is Melozzo da Forli's angel bringing you my pre-Lenten greeting, and my deeper thanks [verso: color reproduction of "Angelo Annuziante" by Melozzo da Forli] «detailed view»
145. 1962/06/15 TLS[x] from Merton Your book, for it is really a book, really astonished me. It was quite an "experience" for me, too, «detailed view»
146. 1962/07/17 TLS[x] from Merton With a kind of providential slip of the mind and of the fingers I have dated this letter ten days [may actually have been written on 1962/07/07 due to Merton's acknowledged mistake in dating the letter] «detailed view»
147. 1962/09/20 TLS[x] from Merton It was fine to get your letter and yes, I did get the huge card from Georgetown. «detailed view»
148. 1962/11/19 TL[c] from Merton Thanks for your good letter of the other day. I note that you are going down to Chicago these days «detailed view»
149. 1962/11/24 HPCS to Merton Greetings from Sandberg's city but today no fog "on little cat feet", but brilliant sunshine. [verso: color reproduction of "The Old Guitarist" by Pablo Picasso - dated "Feast of St. John +" and postmarked 1962/11/24] «detailed view»
150. 1962/12/20 (#01) TAL[c] from Merton Here I come with a noise out of the woods, something to say for Christmas. It was very cold «detailed view»
151. 1962/12/20 (#02) TLS[x] from Merton Here I come with a noise out of the woods, something to say for Christmas. It was very cold «detailed view»
152. 1963/01/18 HLS[x] from Merton Just before retreat - I am getting some more things off to you. One rough draft of some notes - «detailed view»
153. 1963/02/19 TLS[x] from Merton Well, they were most welcome those saints. Two more welcome ones I cannot imagine. [photocopy of second page slightly cut off on left side] «detailed view»
154. 1963/05/01 TLS[x] from Merton I open Mary's month with a letter to you, much too long delayed. Yours just arrived, and you are [photocopy of both pages slightly cut off on left side] «detailed view»
155. 1963/06/30 TLS[x] from Merton After being up to my neck in business mail for days, I want to get around to a few [photocopy of both pages slightly cut off on left side] «detailed view»
156. 1963/08/09 (#01) TAL[c] from Merton How is Washington? I am sure you are working hard, and can imagine that it is not easy. «detailed view»
157. 1963/08/09 (#02) TLS[x] from Merton How is Washington? I am sure you are working hard, and can imagine that it is not easy. «detailed view»
158. 1963/08/19 HPCS to Merton This card tells you where I spent the last hours in D.C.,- now on my way home. Did you know that [verso: color reproduction of "The Singing Party" by Hogarth from the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.] «detailed view»
159. 1963/09/02 TLS[x] from Merton Thanks very much for your cards and letter, and I am glad the Washington affair went off well. «detailed view»
160. 1963/10/03 HLS[x] from Merton Here it is October 3rd and I have not written to you yet. But I certainly thought of you «detailed view»
161. 1963/11/09 TLS[x] from Merton I thought I would put a couple of the latest things in an envelope for you, and since one is a set «detailed view»
162. 1964/02/01 (#01) TLS[x] from Merton Needless to say I have been thinking guiltily of the letter I owe you. Especially on the Feast «detailed view»
163. 1964/02/01 (#02) TL[c] from Merton Needless to say I have been thinking guiltily of the letter I owe you. Especially on the Feast «detailed view»
164. 1964/03/20 TALS to Merton If this comes to you before your Easter greeting-- which will come from Minneapolis where, «detailed view»
165. 1964/04/01 TLS[x] from Merton I have your good letters and the little Thomas book (which I will read with joy) and by now «detailed view»
166. 1964/07/12 (#01) TL[c] from Merton A second "good word" for your celebration and the assurance of my prayers in my Mass that day. «detailed view»
167. 1964/07/12 (#02) TLS[x] from Merton A second "good word" for your celebration and the assurance of my prayers in my Mass that day. «detailed view»
168. 1964/09/17 TLS[x] from Merton I don't have a decent sheet of paper, but I know you don't need a letterhead. Let the yellow seem «detailed view»
169. 1964/12/13 (#01) TL[c] from Merton This will be my Christmas note, besides my thanks for your latest: your poems, the clippings, «detailed view»
170. 1964/12/13 (#02) TLS[x] from Merton This will be my Christmas note, besides my thanks for your latest: your poems, the clippings, «detailed view»
171. 1965/01/no? HNS[x] from Merton I tried to find something to send you for Christmas and was able to unearth nothing but a few [note written on page on page with Merton's poem "The Holy Child's Song"] «detailed view»
172. 1965/03/27 (#01) TLS[x] from Merton Thanks for your St Patrick's Day letter and all its news and good wishes. I am afraid I have been [photocopy of second page slightly cut off on left side] «detailed view»
173. 1965/03/27 (#02) TL[c] from Merton Thanks for your St Patrick's Day letter and all its news and good wishes. I am afraid I have been «detailed view»
174. 1965/03/no? TALS to Merton This is just a short note this mid-Lent to first of all greet you for your feast, that of St. Joseph «detailed view»
175. 1965/06/16 (#01) TALS[x] from Merton Your card and the clippings came. This is St Lutgarde's day and I want to celebrate a little «detailed view»
176. 1965/06/16 (#02) TL[c] from Merton Your card and the clippings came. This is St Lutgarde's day and I want to celebrate a little «detailed view»
177. 1965/08/17 TLS[x] from Merton Many thanks for your note from Georgetown. I am glad you had such a good time. You deserve it, «detailed view»
178. 1965/09/28 TALS[x] from Merton I don't think I answered your last very interesting letter. Congratulations on being back «detailed view»
179. 1965/11/12 TLS[x] from Merton I am putting some photos of the hermitage in an envelope and must go down to the monastery, «detailed view»
180. 1965/12/30 TLS[x] from Merton Here it is happy newyear and I have not yet said merry Christmas. I have hopelessly fallen back «detailed view»
181. 1966/02/01 TLS to Merton Do hermits have Birthdays? If so, this brings you my warmest greetings and wishes for many, many «detailed view»
182. 1966/02/06 (#01) HLS to Merton How like me to speak to you about Brother John's list for the bibliography he plans - and then «detailed view»
183. 1966/02/06 (#02) other to Merton BIBLIOGRAPHY ON THE WORKS OF THOMAS MERTON [-] Outline [-] I. Introduction [handwritten note from Lentfoehr reads, "This Brother is getting his degree in Library Science from Marquette."] «detailed view»
184. 1966/02/14 TALS to Merton I am writing this in great haste----because of something that happened today (or rather «detailed view»
185. 1966/02/16 (#01) HNS[x] from Merton Don't worry about the slip-up over the pictures. Go ahead and print them. The rules have been «detailed view»
186. 1966/02/16 (#02) TALS[x] from Merton This morning I sent my quick note about the photos so I hope that is all taken care of. I have just «detailed view»
187. 1966/02/16 (#03) TL[c] from Merton This morning I sent my quick note about the photos so I hope that is all taken care of. I have just «detailed view»
188. 1966/04/05 HLS[x] from Merton For the moment only the briefest note. I want to get these Easter gifts to you before we are «detailed view»
189. 1966/04/15 HLS[x] from Merton The reason for my long silence is that I have been in the hospital and had to have an operation «detailed view»
190. 1966/06/01 TALS to Merton My letter is late, but my thoughts were with you on the anniversary of your ordination. «detailed view»
191. 1966/06/07 (#01) TLS[x] from Merton It was a joy to get your letter of the 1st. I was glad to hear of the poem about Joan, «detailed view»
192. 1966/06/07 (#02) TL[c] from Merton It was a joy to get your letter of the 1st. I was glad to hear of the poem about Joan, «detailed view»
193. 1966/06/12 HLS[x] from Merton I am putting another packet of "stuff" in the mail for you today - in anticipation of your feast «detailed view»
194. 1966/07/23 (#01) TLS to Merton It is high time that I wrote to thank you for your good letter and for the wonderful new manuscripts «detailed view»
195. 1966/07/23 (#02) other to Merton Song: "If You Seek" [-] Song to Our Lady of Cobre [-] For My Brother--Reported Missing in Action [sent with letter of 1966/July/23 - seems to be a table of contents for selected poems - signed by Lentfoehr and dated 1966/July/15] «detailed view»
196. 1966/07/31 (#01) TLS[x] from Merton You are getting the first benefit of the new ribbon. I can see it will hardly compensate for my «detailed view»
197. 1966/07/31 (#02) TL[c] from Merton You are getting the first benefit of the new ribbon. I can see it will hardly compensate for my «detailed view»
198. 1966/08/30 HLS[x] from Merton Just a few items at the summer's end. I hope all were really well at Georgetown. Pray for me «detailed view»
199. 1966/09/13 (#01) TLS[x] from Merton Many thanks for the fine letter giving me all the news of Georgetown. It must have been fine, «detailed view»
200. 1966/09/13 (#02) TL[c] from Merton Many thanks for the fine letter giving me all the news of Georgetown. It must have been fine, «detailed view»
201. 1966/09/14 HNS[x] to Merton Three letters of this year - were destroyed - I thought it best, for in them Merton «detailed view»
202. 1966/09/28 HNS[x] from Merton May this ms of Cables serve as a Feast Day Present. I don't know what you'll think of the book. «detailed view»
203. 1966/10/10 HNS[x] from Merton I thought you'd like to see this. It is from Motive, one of the liveliest Xtian magazines «detailed view»
204. 1966/11/18 HNS[x] from Merton Thanks for your wonderful letter. This is not an adequate reply - I will get to that letter. «detailed view»
205. 1966/12/no? TALS[x] from Merton These may not reach you for Christmas but they are only odds and ends anyhow. A drawing I found «detailed view»
206. 1967/03/23 (#01) TLS[x] from Merton It is Holy Thursday, a lovely warm spring afternoon. I will soon get changed and go down «detailed view»
207. 1967/03/23 (#02) TL[c] from Merton It is Holy Thursday, a lovely warm spring afternoon. I will soon get changed and go down «detailed view»
208. 1967/05/01 TALS[x] from Merton This is just a hasty note to ask two favors. I hope I am not importunate, but I am trying to get my «detailed view»
209. 1967/05/09 TALS to Merton Thank you for everything-- the photographs with your precious note, and now the "variety" «detailed view»
210. 1967/05/12 (#01) TLS[x] from Merton Many thanks for your letter, to which this is a rush answer. First, the Prof. Smith «detailed view»
211. 1967/05/12 (#02) TL[c] from Merton Many thanks for your letter, to which this is a rush answer. First, the Prof. Smith «detailed view»
212. 1967/05/12 (#03) TLS[x] from Merton This morning I failed to slip back in the envelope the page you sent me and the accompanying mimeo. «detailed view»
213. 1967/05/12 (#04) TL[c] from Merton This morning I failed to slip back in the envelope the page you sent me and the accompanying mimeo. «detailed view»
214. 1967/06/13 TALS to Merton A belated (and how!) greeting-- on the anniversary of your ordination! Though I was «detailed view»
215. 1967/06/24 TALS to Merton Your patience with me must be exhausted. But I have finished re-typing the manuscript «detailed view»
216. 1967/06/26 TL[c] from Merton Thanks for your letter: no worry at all as far as I am concerned about where you put something «detailed view»
217. 1967/06/27 HNS[x] from Merton Just a note to thank you for your letter and say that lists of translated books are not «detailed view»
218. 1967/07/05 TALS[x] from Merton The first bit of the bibliography got here the other day: that is the most important part. [Merton photocopied two rows of block letters from magazines onto the stationary of the letter: "the monks." and "Modern Moving... (he interjects in handwriting, "we hope?!") "with Old Fashioned Care"] «detailed view»
219. 1967/07/19 TALS to Merton Thank you for your "Feast-Day" letter and all the good things you sent! I am deeply grateful «detailed view»
220. 1967/08/04 HLS to Merton Many and warm greetings from Georgetown! When I walked up the library steps at Healy Hall «detailed view»
221. 1967/09/02 TALS to Merton Though it's still Georgetown stationary---I am back again in the Rioting City! Father Groppi «detailed view»
222. 1967/09/05 (#01) TALS[x] from Merton It was good of you to send the little clipping about Ad Reinhardt. I had known nothing about his «detailed view»
223. 1967/09/05 (#02) TL[c] from Merton It was good of you to send the little clipping about Ad Reinhardt. I had known nothing about his «detailed view»
224. 1967/09/26 (#01) TLS[x] from Merton In a few days it will be your feast day, and on that day I will offer my Mass for you, as a partial «detailed view»
225. 1967/09/26 (#02) TL[c] from Merton In a few days it will be your feast day, and on that day I will offer my Mass for you, as a partial «detailed view»
226. 1967/10/13 (#01) TLS[x] from Merton Yes, it was real!! I am probably as surprised as you are. I did not think I would be able to reach «detailed view»
227. 1967/10/13 (#02) TL[c] from Merton Yes, it was real!! I am probably as surprised as you are. I did not think I would be able to reach «detailed view»
228. 1967/10/16 TALS to Merton I've been living on "cloud nine" since Thursday! Yes, it's real! Your letter just came, «detailed view»
229. 1967/11/16 TLS[x] from Merton I don't want any more time to go by before - thank you for the will: you didnot [sic] need to send «detailed view»
230. 1967/12/22 HNS[x] from Merton I feel guilty taking your nice ikon when I am already so rich, but it is beautiful and it stands «detailed view»
231. 1968/01/no? (#01) HNS[x] from Merton Many thanks for your letter. Tommie is still in hospital but doing well. Have you copies «detailed view»
232. 1968/01/no? (#02) other from Merton IN THE NAME OF THE LORD. AMEN. [-] Be it known to you and to all whom it is of interest, that [handwritten note by Merton accompanying a card announcing the election of Dom Flavian Burns at abbot] «detailed view»
233. 1968/02/21 TL[c] from Merton I believe you have not seen this set of "Rules governing the use..." which has been drawn «detailed view»
234. 1968/03/06 (#01) TLS[x] from Merton It is not snowy like this today. We have actually had a day or two of what seemed to be spring [Merton photocopied snapshot of his hermitage surrounded by snow] «detailed view»
235. 1968/03/06 (#02) TL[c] from Merton It is not snowy like this today. We have actually had a day or two of what seemed to be spring «detailed view»
236. 1968/03/no? TALS[x] to Merton Here it is your feast of anniversary of solemn vows--which you celebrate with St. Joseph, and you «detailed view»
237. 1968/04/no? TPCS[x] from Merton Many thanks for the Lonergan talk-- I must really read it, as I hear much about him. [postcard by Family Dog Productions of San Francisco] «detailed view»
238. 1968/07/13 TLS[x] from Merton Hope this reaches you at Georgetown in time for your feast days. I think it should, with the mail «detailed view»
239. 1968/08/20 TALS[x] from Merton Just a quickie. I've almost stopped writing letters. Not only the intense heat, but everything [on Monks Pond letterhead] «detailed view»
240. 1968/11/21 HPCS[x] from Merton I have been a month in India - over a month - and most of it in the Himalayas. A great experience. «detailed view»
241. 1968/12/10 telegram[x] from Burns, Flavian WE REGRET TO INFORM YOU OF THE DEATH OF FATHER LOUIS MERTON IN BANGKOK «detailed view»
242. 1970/09/06 TALS[x] to O'Callaghan, Tommie Excuse my delay in writing to thank once again for the beautiful hospitality you offered me; «detailed view»
243. 1982/06/23 TLS  from Napack, Mark / to William Shannon I am pleased to hear that you will be doing research at The Merton Center from July 12 to July 15. [from Mark Napack, Assistant Director of The Merton Center for Religious Studies at Columbia University to William Shannon, editor of Merton's published letters - another copy of the letter contains Shannon's annotations] «detailed view»
244. undated/no/no HPCS[x] from Merton He[re are so]me things for your files - but they are to be [verso: photograph of monks in an outdoor procession at La Pierre-Qui-Vire Abbey] «detailed view»
245. undated/no/no TAN[x] from Merton Here are my "saints" I give you a list so that there will be plenty of choice, but you have already «detailed view»
246. undated/no/no HCS[x] from Merton Here are some more notes and especially some brief conference notes on Liturgical Feasts «detailed view»
247. undated/no/no HNS[x] from Merton It was a bleak, cold day when Bernadette saw our Immaculate Lady - but the cold ceased to matter. «detailed view»
248. undated/no/no HNS[x] from Merton May I please have the Gilson book back - or at least another copy of it - as I need it urgently «detailed view»

Printer-Friendly Version   Return to the Top of the Page