Merton 2013 - The Thirteenth General Meeting of the International Thomas Merton Society

In a letter to Abdul Aziz Thomas Merton spoke of "the hour of dawn when the world is silent and the new light is most pure," as "symbolizing the dawning of divine light in the stillness of our hearts." At that virgin point of the new day, Merton writes in Conjectures of a Guilty Bystander, the dawn deacon cries “wisdom” but “we do not attend.” Merton’s call to wisdom in all areas of our lives ? personal, political, social and environmental - echoes through the years. The wisdom Merton discovered in the bible, the fathers of the church, the great mystics, and his own contemplative practice; in philosophers and thinkers; and in the world of literature challenges us continually to a radical change of heart and life.
Proposals are invited for presentations on Merton’s life and work, particularly those related to the conference theme on topics such as (but not limited to) Merton and: New England writers and poets; wisdom themes in the bible, the fathers and in literature; spirituality and humor; the vision of Sophia; social justice and ecology; the culture of media, technology and language; education and young people; and, in the light of its fiftieth anniversary, the vision of the Second Vatican Council.
Session formats include:
1. Scholarly Papers designed for presentation in twenty minutes (8-10 double-spaced pages, maximum).
2. Workshops designed to involve audience participation.
3. Creative/Dramatic Presentations using music, poetry, dance or other media to provide insight into aspects of Merton’s life or work.
4. Guided Meditation/Prayer Sessions, particularly those using Merton’s own writings as a framework for prayer and meditative reflection.
Please note: Workshops, Creative/Dramatic Presentations, and Guided Meditation/Prayer Sessions should be designed for a ninety-minute session.
Proposals of no more than 250 words, accompanied by a short biographical identification (1-2 sentences), should be submitted by May 15, 2012 by e-mail attachment to: merton2013-AT-bellarmine.edu; or by mail to ITMS 2013, Thomas Merton Center, Bellarmine University, 2001 Newburg Road, Louisville, KY 40205. USA.