New International Thomas Merton Society Chapter in Rome, Italy

Previously Sherri sent the photograph of a special place in Rome identified with Thomas Merton.

Sherri Russo has a report of a new Thomas Merton ITMS Society meeting in Rome, Italy. Enclosed are details:

Good news is that on Dec. 11, 2004, we opened the first Italian section
of the ITMS. We met at the Trappist monastery in Rome, Italy (the Tre Fontane) where we watched the video "Trappist monks remember Merton", walked to the nearby sanctuary "S. Maria of the 3rd Millennium" where he has an inscription dedicated to the virgin, and gathered for lunch afterwards.

Notice these events in Thomas Merton's Life:

--Early Spring, 1933 Following his 18th birthday, on a trip to Rome, Italy, Thomas Merton walks in silence under the eucalyptus trees on the grounds of Tre Fontaine and an idea takes form (for the first time), "I would like to become a Trappist monk."

--March 19, 1947 Merton takes solemn vows at Gethsemani

--April 12, 1947 Apparition of the virgin at this sanctuary, saying "I will work miracles with this dirt for the conversion of sinners"

--October, 1948 Publication of "Seven Storey Mountain", a book about Merton's conversion which surely aided in the conversion of others.

Dec. 11th was a beautiful day for everyone, united in love, united with Merton.

Let's hope for a future with Merton, in the catechism and in the world.

Blessings,

Sherri McFerran Russo
mcferranrusso@tin.it