Mercy Center hosting discussions on Thomas Merton, peacemaking

The Mercy Center for Spiritual Life invites members of the University community to participate in a four-part discussion series based on John Dear’s book “Thomas Merton, Peacemaker.”

The sessions will explore Thomas Merton and the practices of contemplative nonviolence, active nonviolence, prophetic nonviolence and visionary nonviolence. Each session will include a video presentation by Dear along with time for reflection and discussion.

Dear has spent more than three decades speaking to people around the world about the way of nonviolence and the call to make peace. He has traveled to war zones, engaged in acts of civil disobedience against war and, in 1990, arranged for Mother Teresa to speak to various governors to stop the death penalty. Dear’s reflections on the writings of Thomas Merton are insightful and challenging.

Discussions will be held at noon on four consecutive Tuesdays – Jan. 31 and Feb. 7, 14 and 21 – in the Miley Hall executive dining room. The Mercy Center will provide lunch. To register, email annamae.mayer@salve.edu.