RNS MERTON 40

Trappist monk Thomas Merton is considered one of the most influential spiritual writers of the 20th century. Merton died in 1968 while attending a monastic conference in Bangkok, Thailand. Religion News Service file photo used with permission of the Merton Legacy Trust and the Merton Center at Bellarmine University.

(RNS1-NOV26) Trappist monk Thomas Merton is considered one of the most influential spiritual writers of the 20th century. Merton died in 1968 while attending a monastic conference in Bangkok, Thailand. For use with RNS-MERTON-40, transmitted Nov. 26, 2008. Religion News Service photo used with permission of the Merton Legacy Trust and the Merton Center at Bellarmine University.

RNS MERTON 40

(RNS) Trappist monk Thomas Merton is considered one of the most influential spiritual writers of the 20th century. Merton died in 1968 while attending a monastic conference in Bangkok, Thailand. Religion News Service file photo used with permission of the Merton Legacy Trust and the Merton Center at Bellarmine University.

(RNS) Trappist monk Thomas Merton is considered one of the most influential spiritual writers of the 20th century. Merton died in 1968 while attending a monastic conference in Bangkok, Thailand. Religion News Service file photo used with permission of the Merton Legacy Trust and the Merton Center at Bellarmine University.

RNS MERTON 40

(RNS) Trappist monk Thomas Merton is considered one of the most influential spiritual writers of the 20th century. Merton died in 1968 while attending a monastic conference in Bangkok, Thailand. Religion News Service file photo used with permission of the Merton Legacy Trust and the Merton Center at Bellarmine University.