Description:
The twenty-year correspondence between Jean Leclercq, a French Benedictine monk and scholar, and Thomas Merton, an American Cistercian monk, provides a fascinating record of their common yearnings. What is a monk?" is the question at the center of their exchange, and they answer it with great aplomb, touching on the role of ancient texts and modern conveniences, the advantage of hermit life and community life, the fierce Catholicism of the monastic past and a new openness to the approaches of other traditions. These letters 'full of learning, human insight, and self-deprecating humor 'capture the excitement of the Catholic Church in the era of the Second Vatican Council.
Brief description:
Michael Casey, OCSO, has been a monk of Tarrawarra Abbey (Australia) since 1960. In the intervening years he has conducted many retreats and workshops on every continent (except Antarctica) and has written many articles on topics relating to monastic history and spirituality. He is also the author of many books, including The Road to Eternal Life: Reflections on the Prologue of Benedict's Rule and Seventy-Four Tools for Good Living: Reflections on the Fourth Chapter of Benedict's Rule, both from Liturgical Press.
Review Quotes: Recommended for Merton fans and theological libraries.Catholic Library World