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Did you know that Thomas Merton was a great homilist? Now you may hear him deliver four of his great sermons.

With an extensive introduction by Merton expert Fr. Anthony Ciorra, these sermons will stir your heart.

Homilies give listeners a peak into the heart and spiritual journey of the preacher. In the four homilies in this series, you get a rare glimpse of a side of Merton that is special and sacred. His choice of topics gives you insight into his theological, biblical, and spiritual worlds. As you listen to these homilies, you will hear beautiful thoughts on the Trinity and Merton’s image of God. The place of Mary in both Cistercian spirituality and his own personal life is compellingly expressed in his homily on the Immaculate Conception. The centrality of the Paschal Mystery is captured in Merton’s reflections on the cross and resurrection.

These homilies are snapshots of Merton’s inner spirit and rare gems that capture the heart of his spirituality.

Thomas Merton was a spiritual genius who defies categorization. These homilies provide insight into what was most important and precious to him. As you listen, imagine yourself sitting in the choir pews in the Abbey Church of Gethsemane, soaking in the thought, preaching style, and depth of this great man.

After you listen, spend some time in silence and allow yourself to be transformed by the preacher and his message that will lead you to Christ.

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***Photograph of Thomas Merton by John Howard Griffin. Used with Permission of the Merton Legacy Trust and the Thomas Merton Center at Bellarmine University. These recordings are from the archives of the Thomas Merton Center at Bellarmine University, in Louisville, Kentucky.

About Your Presenter

Thomas Merton was one of the 20th Century’s great mystics. A monk and best-selling author, Merton struggled with deep questions about God’s existence, moral values, and the role of organized religion. His thinking moved from cloistered monastic life to issues of social justice and interreligious understanding. Those who knew him also experienced his gifts as homilist and teacher. These special recordings are part of his spoken word legacy.

Introduction by Fr. Anthony Ciorra, M.Div., Ph.D.
Fr. Anthony Ciorra, M.Div., Ph.D. is a leading expert on Catholic spirituality. He is the author of Everyday Mysticism (Crossroad 1995) and co-author of Moral Formation in the Parish (Alba House 1999). In recognition of his ministry in the Church, Pope John Paul II gave him the pontifical honor Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice in 1999. He was awarded the Caritas Centennial Award in 2000 for his work in lay ministry and the Spirit of Renew Award for his work in interreligious dialogue and ecumenism.

Fr. Ciorra has graduate degrees in psychology, spirituality, and pastoral theology, a Ph.D. in Historical Theology from Fordham University, and a Certificate in Spiritual Direction. He is assistant vice president for Mission and Catholic Identity at Sacred Heart University. Previously he was dean of the Graduate School of Religion and Religious Education at Fordham University, director of the Center for Theological and Spiritual Development at the College of St. Elizabeth, and director of the Center for Spiritual Development for the Archdiocese of New York.

His experience has included parish life, teaching, administration, retreat work, preaching, and formation ministries. He gives workshops and retreats throughout the world and is active in creating programs for inter-religious dialogue among Jews, Christians, and Muslims.

Topic Titles

• Introduction by Fr. Anthony Ciorra, Ph.D.
• Thomas Merton’s Sermon on the Trinity
• Thomas Merton’s Sermon on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception
• Thomas Merton’s “Prose and Poetry on the Passion of Christ"
• Thomas Merton’s Sermon on Easter