Mystic’s unique photos in Cathedral show
 An event at Norwich Cathedral to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the death of Thomas Merton is to include a unique exhibition of photos taken by the poet and mystic.
The event Thomas Merton: The Contemplative Heart is led by James Finley, who lived with Merton at his monastery at Gethsemani in the USA for six years. The photos are owned by the renowned spiritual teacher Esther de Waal, and she has given special permission for them to be used.
The event takes place at the Anglican Cathedral on Friday November 21 at 7.30pm. and is free of charge and there is no need to book.
Nicholas Vesey who is promoting the event says, “These photos are quite unique. Thomas Merton was a photographer of note and these pictures are appearing under special license”.
Thomas Merton was a Trappist monk of the Abbey of Our Lady of Gethsemani in America. He was a spiritual writer, poet, author and social activist who pioneered the re-discovery of Christian Meditation and brought it to a wide audience. He died tragically in 1968, electrocuted while travelling in Thailand.
James Finley entered the Trappist Monastery of the Abbey of Our Lady of Gethsemani in 1961. He then spent six years with Thomas Merton who acted as his spiritual director, giving him a unique insight into the life of the man who has defined the practice of meditation and contemplation for many people today. After being released from the order he became a renowned spiritual teacher in his own right, writing books and conducting retreats all over the world.
James Finley will be presenting the life of Thomas Merton in the context of contemporary spiritual practice. There will also be a time to try out the practice of contemplation, and ask questions.
For more information contact Nicholas Vesey on 01603 416973
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