Merton's Heart
Introduction
Text-to-speech Audio
Merton's Heart holds a special place in the life of St. Bonaventure University itself, and in the life of Thomas Merton. This is the visible clearing of trees that are in the “shape of a heart”. Thomas Merton heavily walked through this clearing multiple times and was given the name “Merton’s Heart” by Fr. Irenaeus, who was incredibly close with Merton.
Images
Merton's Heart
Backstory and Context
Text-to-speech Audio
Merton's Heart is considered to be a very important place at St. Bonaventure University. It is located on a visible hillside at the South West side of campus. Originally the land was used for drilling oil. However, by the time Merton arrived to St. Bonaventure, the land had been abandoned. He spent a majority of time walking through these hills, as well as spending time at a near by cottage that was owned by the brother-in-law of Robert Lax. This land clearing is a reminder of Merton's time he spent studying, teaching, and meditating to those at St. Bonaventure.
Sources
“Merton at St. Bonaventure.” Merton at St. Bonventure, archives.sbu.edu/Merton_Site/merton-at-st.-bonventure.html.