“This is a treasure of a little book. Thankfully, before the living memory fades, Sweeney has captured intimate and unadorned recollections from Merton’s Gethsemani novices to render an impressionistic montage, a verbal collage, a communal sketch of life under the tutelage of the spiritual giant of the twentieth century.” -Kathleen Noone Deignan, CND, Director, Institute for Earth and Spirit at Iona College; editor, A Book of Hours by Thomas Merton
“This collection of memories from Merton’s former students provides a valuable opportunity to go beyond the Merton we encounter from his books and private journals to see him as his students and fellow monks saw him—as a teacher, spiritual director, and friend.” -Gregory K. Hillis, Professor of Theology & Religious Studies, Bellarmine University; author, Man of Dialogue: Thomas Merton’s Catholic Vision
"For those unfamiliar with the work of Jon M. Sweeney or Thomas Merton, this book may serve as an appetizer for a larger meal to come. Seasoned readers of Sweeney or Merton may find this more like dessert. For all of us, this should challenge our biases when we think we’ve already figured someone out. People — even those we know well — still have much to reveal."-- Anthony Nuccio, Spirituality and Practice
