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“The ITMS Conference was a tremendous experience and opportunity to delve
into Merton and locate him not simply as a historical figure, but as an
individual continually in conversation with those who are searching for a
way towards peaceful existence within themselves and within the world.”
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Tim Shaffer |
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“A fascinating experience to be surrounded by such deep minds and wise
souls. Merton is serving as
a marvelous vehicle for bringing people of spirit together to
share knowledge, stories, and life. Not least among these were the Daggy
scholars, who astounded me with their abilities and their concern for
our world. No more intriguing and inspiring group of young people have I
been a part of.”
- David Golemboski |
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“I was thankful to have had the opportunity to attend the Merton
Conference. I enjoyed hearing from people about the impact of Merton's
life/spirituality/writings on their lives and the world, listening to
the impassioned talks of keynote speakers, learning more about Merton
myself, and connecting with new people.”
- Rachel Werenski |
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“My experience at the
Merton Conference was life changing, and I felt honored to have been a part
of it ... through knowing him I have wanted to help change the way people
view the world and themselves for the better, so we can begin to live more
united and peaceful ... the conference was a breath of fresh air because I
learned that there are people who care to change this world for the better,
and not simply talking about it, but actually trying to embed within people the possibility that it
can and must be done. I hope that
this FIRE we started at the conference will spark a fire within the various
people we speak to about Merton.”
- Kimberly Kennedy |
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2005 Daggy Scholars
San Diego, California |
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“Describing the Ninth ITMS meeting as "inspiring" is an understatement. The
energy there was contagious, the panels were enlightening, the discussion
was engaging, and the keynote addresses were heartfelt and impassioning.
Merton's spirit was certainly manifest. It was a great spiritual blessing
for me to have shared this faith affirming experience with such a diverse
crowd, people also interested in what Merton was so successful at doing in
his own life: transforming the deep silence of faith into real, audible, and
tangible action.”
- Rob Peach |
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“It's hard to summarize the Merton Conference in a sentence or two
because it was such a deep experience: truly a union of minds, hearts, and
souls. I was very moved just to be there and to be a part of a community
devoted to studying Merton's writings as well as actually applying his
beliefs to the troubled world we live in.”
- Mark Murray |
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“As for the conference, I felt it was a very new and
enlightening
experience. I learned a lot about Thomas Merton as well as other invaluable
life lessons from the many wonderful people I met. I feel I was truly
blessed to be a part of this wonderful opportunity as a Daggy Scholar.”
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Colleen Halligan |
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"My
experience at the conference was truly phenomenal. Being able to
meet and discuss topics that I am passionate about with such a diverse and
extraordinary group of scholars and Merton fans was an experience that was
both intellectually and spiritually inspiring."
- Laura Bentivegna |