The Merton Institute's mission has been to support the legacy of Thomas Merton. Through the years numerous programs have been offered, DVDs and books created, and a vital virtual community grown. We have introduced tens of thousands of people to contemplative living and nurtured the contemplative lives of as many. Our greatest gift to our community has been making the writings of Thomas Merton accessible to generations of spiritual seekers.

Thomas Merton reminds us that now, since all things have their season, there is a time to be unborn.  This sentiment rested deeply in the hearts of the Institute as its board and staff discerned the Institute's future. Although the Institute has provided a wealth of resources, it is not able to financially sustain itself. On December 31, 2012, the Institute will cease operations. 

Over the next six weeks, the Institute will find homes for its many programs and resources. The Abbey of Gethsemani has agreed to assist in the operation of Bethany Spring, The Merton Institute's retreat center. Our hope is to find a home for our virtual community of 16,600+.  

The board and the staff of the Institute thank you for being a part of our community. 

We end with quote from Thomas Merton: The ultimate perfection of the contemplative life is not a heaven of separate individuals, each one viewing his own private intuition of God; it is a sea of Love which flows through the One Body of all the elect, all the angels and saints, and their contemplation would be incomplete if it were not shared, or if it were shared with fewer souls, or with spirits capable of less vision and less joy. 

May you continue to be a vision-filled, joy-filled drop of contemplative essence in the sea of Love.

Peace, 

Vanessa Hurst

Executive Director

The Merton Institute for Contemplative Living

vhurst@mertoninstitute.org

www.mertoninstitute.org