The Thomas Merton Center at Bellarmine University

MERTON'S CORRESPONDENCE WITH:
Leclercq, Jean, Dom, O.S.B., 1911-1993

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Descriptive Summary

Record Group: Section A - Correspondence

Dates of materials: 1950-1973

Volume: 213 item(s); 406 pg(s)

Scope and Content

This is a file in the correspondence of Thomas Merton under the heading: "Leclercq, Jean, Dom, O.S.B.".

Biography

Dom Jean Leclercq was a Benedictine priest, prolific writer and scholar of the history of monasticism. Born in France, he joined the Abbey of Clervaux in Luxembourg. He first came into contact with Merton concerning the history of the Trappists. Later, during the changes occurring within the Catholic Church before and after the Second Vatican Council, they carry on a crucial dialog on the role and future of monasticism.

Usage Guidelines and Restrictions

Related Information and Links

See most published letters between Merton and Leclercq in Survival or Prophecy; see also published letters to Leclercq in The School of Charity; and see also the "Dijk, Willibrord Chr. van", "Fox, James" and "Gillet, Ignace" files.

Other Finding Aids

If the person in correspondence with Merton has full text records in the Merton Center Digital Collections, there will be a numeric link to them below.
   

Series List

This Record Sub-Group is not divided into Series and is arranged chronologically.

Container List

SeriesDateTypeTo/FromFirst LinesPubFull TextNotes
 1950/01/28 HLSto MertonMerci de votre lettre du 15 janvier. Je vous envoie la description de vos manuscritsYes [transferred from Sub-Section H.7, Hart Working Files, Accession 2]
 1950/03/no? HLSto MertonJ'ai bien reçu les films de vos manuscrits de S. Bernard et je vous en remercie.Yes [transferred from Sub-Section H.7, Hart Working Files, Accession 2]
 1950/04/22 (#01)TALSfrom MertonAnother film of the St Bernard Sermons is now on the way to you. This time I looked it over to seeYes  
 1950/04/22 (#02)other Census of Medieval and Renaissance manuscripts in the United States and Canda by Semour de Ricci  [transferred from Sub-Section H.7, Hart Working Files, Accession 2 - handwritten notes and a notecard, the notecard explains that information contained informs footnotes of 1950/04/22 letter from Merton to Leclercq]
 1950/05/05 HLSto MertonI was just going to write to you when I received, yesterday, your new letter. Thank youYes [transferred from Sub-Section H.7, Hart Working Files, Accession 2]
 1950/07/29 HLSto MertonImmobilisé à Bruxelles par la grève, je trouve enfin le temps de répondre à votre longueYes [transferred from Sub-Section H.7, Hart Working Files, Accession 2]
 1950/10/09 TALSfrom MertonIt is a long time since I received your July letter which I read and pondered on with deepYes  
 1950/10/26 HLSto MertonI received some weeks ago the nice little book <u>Spirit of</u>Yes [transferred from Sub-Section H.7, Hart Working Files, Accession 2]
 1952/06/17 transcriptto MertonThank you very much indeed for your last letter and for <i>The Last of the Fathers</i>.Yes [photocopy from book of published letters]
 1953/01/25 HLSto MertonThank you for the Rifau. [..] Not yet answer from the censors… I begin to get anxious… I remember  [transferred from Sub-Section H.7, Hart Working Files, Accession 2]
 1953/03/17 HLSto MertonIt has been very kind of you, indeed, to send me your <u>Sign of Jonas</u>. Thank you sincerely.Yes [transferred from Sub-Section H.7, Hart Working Files, Accession 2]
 1953/05/18 TALSfrom MertonForgive me for my delay in answering your good letter. <u>Jonas</u> is already being translatedYes  
 1953/05/29 TALSto MertonLe livre de Casel <u>Die Mônchsweihe</u> ne paraîtra pas prochainement, car on attend une nouvelleYes [transferred from Sub-Section H.7, Hart Working Files, Accession 2]
 1953/08/21 TALSfrom MertonYou must think me a very churlish and ungrateful person to leave your letter so long unanswered.Yes  
 1953/09/23 HLSto MertonI received your very good letter of Aug. 21 just before leaving Clervaux for Dijon, where I hadYes [transferred from Sub-Section H.7, Hart Working Files, Accession 2]
 1953/10/13 HLS[x]to MertonI write to ask you a service. But of course, you are quite free to refuse it; I shall understand itYes [transferred from Sub-Section H.7, Hart Working Files, Accession 2]
 1953/11/05 TALSfrom MertonIt was a satisfaction to me when Father Abbot gave me permission to write the preface for yourYes  
 1953/11/23 HLSto MertonI have received your letter, and then the Preface. I have read it and shall translate it.Yes [transferred from Sub-Section H.7, Hart Working Files, Accession 2]
 1953/12/07 HCSfrom MertonMany thanks for your very kind letter of Nov 23. I am glad the preface satisfied you, and am stillYes  
 1954/01/08 HALSfrom MertonMany thanks for your translation of the Preface. I have read it with pleasure and satisfactionYes  
 1954/04/07 TLSto MertonJe reçois à l'instant votre beau volume Bread in the Wilderness. Je vous remercie beaucoup d'avoirYes [transferred from Sub-Section H.7, Hart Working Files, Accession 2]
 1954/04/27 TALSfrom MertonI have just written to the Agent. I suspect that Plon is unjustly penalizing you because the AgentYes  
 1954/07/13 TLS[x]to MertonJe comprends vos soucis. Je comprends aussi le point de vue de vos supérieurs. Ce n'est sans douteYes [transferred from Sub-Section H.7, Hart Working Files, Accession 2]
 1954/07/28 TALSfrom MertonYesterday I heard from our Reverendissime Pere and I hasten to let you know that he raisesYes  
 1954/08/06 HLSto MertonI received here, where I have been lecturing on S Bernard's Mariology, your letter of July 28.Yes [transferred from Sub-Section H.7, Hart Working Files, Accession 2 - written from Maria Laach, Germany]
 1954/08/30 HLSto MertonMany thanks indeed for your new pages, which I enjoyed translating them [sic]. I appreciated youYes [transferred from Sub-Section H.7, Hart Working Files, Accession 2]
 1954/10/05 HLSto MertonThe French edition of <u>The Last of the Fathers</u> came out yesterday. It has been quite  [transferred from Sub-Section H.7, Hart Working Files, Accession 2]
 1954/11/04 TALSfrom MertonIt was good to receive the good news in your last letter. I will look forward to seeingYes  
 1954/11/17 HLSto MertonI just wrote the 1st publisher toYes [transferred from Sub-Section H.7, Hart Working Files, Accession 2]
 1955/04/27 TLSfrom MertonOn vient de terminer, il y a quelques jours, notre visite reguliere dans laquelle l'Abbe VisiteurYes  
 1955/05/17 HLSto MertonMany thanks for sending me the photograph of your Antiphony. And for all  [transferred from Sub-Section H.7, Hart Working Files, Accession 2]
 1955/05/18 (#01)TLS[x]from Fox, JamesGood Father Louis wrote you a letter towards the end of April. From the very nature of the case, I  [copied from "Fox, James" file - Fox's letter to Montini attached] Merton "disturbed emotionally" in letter to Archbishop Giovanni Montini in Milan / Merton to remain with Order and become grounds keeper of woods surrounding Gethsemani
 1955/05/18 (#02)TL[c] from Fox, James / to Giovanni MontiniThisis [sic] the first letter I have ever written to you, Your Excellency, but we have received manyYes [carbon copy sent to Leclercq of Fox's letter to Archbishop Giovanni Montini dated 1955-05-16 (who would later be Pope Paul VI)]
 1955/05/26 (#01)HLS[x]to Fox, JamesI thank you for sending me a note, together with the letter of Fr. Louis. As you must realize,  [for original see "Fox, James", Series 29]
 1955/05/26 (#02)transcriptto Fox, JamesI thank you for sending me a note, together with the letter of Fr. Louis. As you must realize,  [for original see "Fox, James", Series 29]
 1955/06/03 TALSfrom MertonMany thanks for your letter of May 26. I wish I had received it sooner. Early in May, havingYes  
 1955/06/08 HLfrom Levy-Duplatt, MaurizioJ'ai lu la lettre du P. Louis et celles de son abbé. Ils semblent  [incomplete letter / addressee crossed out and signed "Maurizio" - likely Levy-Duplatt letter to Leclercq regarding Merton and forwarded to Merton]
 1955/06/13 TALSfrom Fox, JamesWe received your very kind letter of May 26. Do not think there is any quarrel between good Father  [copies from "Fox, James" file] no quarrel between Fox and Merton / agrees with Leclercq that Merton - "Too much of an extrovert." and that he would not be able to give up writing - Gabriel Sortais agrees he should give up writing for 5 years / Merton's "love of adventure" - would not stay long with the Camaldolese
 1955/08/11 TALSfrom MertonThank you for your last letter. I am sending this together with a note to your good Reverend FatherYes  
 1955/09/25 TLSfrom MertonHere is the manuscript which I spoke of-- let us say that about half of it is on solitude.Yes  
 1955/10/21 HLSto MertonI received your manuscript and read it. Thank you too for your letter of Sept 25. I didn't answer  [transferred from Sub-Section H.7, Hart Working Files, Accession 2]
 1955/11/19 HLSto MertonI received a few days ago the first copies of  [transferred from Sub-Section H.7, Hart Working Files, Accession 2]
 1955/12/03 TLSfrom MertonYou had heard from Dom Gabriel Sortais the issue of the discussions about my vocation. But you hadYes  
 1956/02/06 TALSfrom MertonIt is already a long time since I had the pleasure of receiving your finished and published workYes  
 1956/09/01? TALSfrom Merton[missing first part...] has a spiritual significance. More than that, I hope the book is suitable.Yes [undated - Fall 1956]
 1956/09/07 (#01)HLSto MertonD. Gabriel kindly sends me his approval and <u>Imprimi potest</u> for your 37 meditations translated  [transferred from Sub-Section H.7, Hart Working Files, Accession 2]
 1956/09/07? (#02)HLSto MertonThank you for your Celts. I sent the new text to the nun who had already finished the translation,  [transferred from Sub-Section H.7, Hart Working Files, Accession 2 - no date but stapled to letter of 1956/09/07]
 1957/10/19 TALSfrom MertonIt has been a long time since I have had the satisfaction of writing to you. However, Father AbbotYes  
 1957/10/31 HLSto MertonI immediately wrote to the publisher, and I just receive the enclosed answer. Please tell him  [transferred from Sub-Section H.7, Hart Working Files, Accession 2]
 1957/11/13 TLSfrom MertonMany thanks for your prompt and cooperative reply. I was relieved to hear that the book had not yetYes  
 1957/12/30 TLSfrom Fox, JamesYour good letter to Father Louis arrived some time ago. It was caught in the annual Christmas  [copies from "Fox, James" file] Merton back from hospital and recovering / false reports of Merton contributing article to book on Dom Alexis - letters from Fr. Bernard Besret and M. Daniel-Rops
 1958/05/22   Some time ago questions were asked about the French translation ofYes [see 1959/05/22 - incorrectly dated 1958 in <i>Survival or Prophecy</i>]
 1959/05/22 TALSfrom MertonSometime ago questions were asked about the French translation of Thoughts in Solitude,Yes [incorrectly dated 1958 in <i>Survival or Prophecy</i>]
 1959/06/02 HLSto MertonI never heard, myself, about your ms. since the last time you asked to have it again in orderYes  
 1959/10/08 TLSfrom MertonI am writing to ask if by any chance it might be possible for me to get back the <u>English</u> textYes  
 1959/10/23 HLSto MertonI found your dear letter when arriving in Rome until February. I shall find the english textYes  
 1959/11/09 TALSfrom Fox, JamesYour letter of October 23 to Father Louis arrived. But I deemed it better not to give it to him as  [copies from "Fox, James" file] Fox has not given Leclercq's letter to Merton - thinks Leclercq is misguided in advising Merton on a vocation as a hermit - asks that Leclercq not mention this to Merton in the future, but to stick to "literary matters, …the Preface, THOUGHTS IN SOLITUDE, etc.
 1959/11/19 TALSfrom MertonMe voici encore, et c'est le meme sujet, de la traduction "les Chemins de la joie". Mon agentYes  
 1959/11/28 (#01)HLSto MertonMerci pour l'interest que vousYes [transferred from Sub-Section H.7, Hart Working Files, Accession 2]
 1959/11/28 (#02)transcriptto MertonI pray a lot for you. All that you tell me interests me intensely. It is always difficult to seeYes [photocopy from book of published letters]
 1959/11/28 (#03)transcriptto MertonThank you for the interest you have in the translation of the nun of Thoughts in Solitude.Yes [transcript of complete letter - published letter is missing some sentences - transferred from Sub-Section H.7, Hart Working Files, Accession 2]
 1959/12/18 HLSto MertonMr Wittmann answers:"As soon as I Kowl had the definitive translation of <u>Thoughts in Solitude</u>Yes [transferred from Sub-Section H.7, Hart Working Files, Accession 2]
 1960/01/08 HLSto MertonMany many thanks, dear Fr Louis, for your very fine book on Guerric. It will contribute to a better  [transferred from Sub-Section H.7, Hart Working Files, Accession 2]
 1960/01/17 HLSto MertonI have written to Wittman as you said. Thank you for your kindness. I am as glad that you have  [transferred from Sub-Section H.7, Hart Working Files, Accession 2]
 1960/01/26 TALSfrom Fox, JamesWe understand that you are giving quite a few lectures in Rome. We are very happy that you are  [copies from "Fox, James" file] asking for Leclercq's address to the Generals of the Religious Orders on obedience
 1960/01/no? TLSfrom MertonAn answer was received from Rome-- from Cardinal Valeri,-- which makes it quite definite that God's  [it seems the first part of letter cut off - answered by Leclercq's letter of 1960/01/17]
 1960/12/13 HLSto MertonMr Wittmann write me now that he wrote you concerning the translation of <u>Thoughts in Solitude</u>  [transferred from Sub-Section H.7, Hart Working Files, Accession 2]
 1960/12/24 TALSfrom MertonWell, I don't understand the situation either. I certainly remember that a long time ago I took upYes  
 1960/12/31 HLSto MertonThanks for your letter. If I did not meet you, I at least met D. James at Genesee. I shall beYes [transferred from Sub-Section H.7, Hart Working Files, Accession 2 - original from H.7, previously held as photocopy]
 1961/02/02 HLSto MertonImmediately wrote to a confrere of yours to get the ms. And to give it to Mrs.  [transferred from Sub-Section H.7, Hart Working Files, Accession 2]
 1961/02/03 HLSto MertonJ'ai téléphoné à M. Wittmann, qui m'a répondu qu'il refusait de me remettre le manuscrit de la  [transferred from Sub-Section H.7, Hart Working Files, Accession 2]
 1961/04/04 HLSfrom Juglar, JeanThanks for your news. Glad that the book will soon appear. I think it may bring -Yes [transferred from Sub-Section H.7, Hart Working Files, Accession 2 - original from H.7, previously held as photocopy - seems to be from Fr. Jean Juglar, O.S.B. from the Abbaye Sainte-Marie de Paris to Dom Jean Leclercq; Leclercq includes a note to Merton at the end of the letter]
 1961/06/11 HLSto MertonI am sending you back a volume of K Rahner <u>Free Speech in the Church</u>. I enjoyed it veryYes  
 1961/07/12 (#01)HLSto MertonI sought in vain the Imprimatur to <i>Living in Silence</i>. What I found was the ones concerningYes [transferred from Sub-Section H.7, Hart Working Files, Accession 2]
 1961/07/12 (#02)transcriptto MertonI sought the Imprimatur to <i>Living in Silence</i>. What I found was the one concerningYes [photocopy from book of published letters]
 1961/07/31 HLSto MertonFr. Michael of St [..] asked for a copy of my [..] I cannot refuse. But I copy you just toYes [transferred from Sub-Section H.7, Hart Working Files, Accession 2 - some words difficult to decipher]
 1963/06/10 TL[c]from MertonHow are you? I do not know where this letter will find you, but I suppose the best thing to doYes  
 1963/06/18 HLSfrom MertonGlad to read you! I am well and, strange enough, in Clervaux. My trip in the States last autumnYes [transferred from Sub-Section H.7, Hart Working Files, Accession 2 - original from H.7, previously held as photocopy]
 1963/07/23 TL[c]from MertonIt was very kind of you to send the material on Grimlaic. I will keep working on the ideaYes  
 1963/08/14? HNSto MertonThanks for your little. Would you have a carbon copy of your translation of the Presenza al mondo  [transferred from Sub-Section H.7, Hart Working Files, Accession 2]
 1963/10/26 (#01)HLSto MertonI have just visited all the Trappist abbey of Ireland, and visited again those of England.Yes [transferred from Sub-Section H.7, Hart Working Files, Accession 2]
 1963/10/26 (#02)transcriptto MertonI have just visited all the Trappist abbeys of Ireland, and visited again those of England.Yes [photocopy from book of published letters]
 1963/11/10 (#01)TAL[c]from MertonFirst of all I hope the translation of your article on Benedictine work reached you in Ireland.Yes  
 1963/11/10 (#02)TAL[x]from MertonFirst of all I hope the translation of your article on Benedictine work reached you in Ireland.Yes [top half of page with handwritten annotations (by Leclercq?)]
 1963/11/12 HLSto MertonThanks for the translation on Benedictine work, which I received in due time. I realize it was notYes [transferred from Sub-Section H.7, Hart Working Files, Accession 2 - original from H.7, previously held as photocopy]
 1964/01/12 (#01)TAL[c]from MertonFirst I want to thank you for your kindness in sending me the mimeograph of p. Hausherr's studyYes  
 1964/01/12 (#02)TALSfrom MertonFirst I want to thank you for your kindness in sending me the mimeograph of p. Hausherr's studyYes  
 1964/03/23 HLSto MertonSorry to have not yet acknowledged your last papers. I have been talking in different places,Yes [transferred from Sub-Section H.7, Hart Working Files, Accession 2 - original from H.7, previously held as photocopy]
 1964/03/28 TALSfrom MertonThanks for your note about Fr Ronald Roloff. As a matter of fact I think you have guessed that whatYes [dated "Holy Saturday" 1964]
 1964/04/15 HLSto MertonI had read and appreciated your <u>Diaspora</u>, before going to a Congress in Italy on IslamYes [transferred from Sub-Section H.7, Hart Working Files, Accession 2 - original from H.7, previously held as photocopy]
 1964/05/26 (#01)other[x]to Merton<u>NOTE POUR LA PRESSE</u> Du jeudi 21 au merdi 26 mai, s'est tenue au manastère bénédictin de Boaké  [copy from Sub-Section D.7, Periodicals used by Merton - no indication of author, but fits time period Leclercq was visiting a Benedictine monastery at Bouaké in the Ivory Coast]
 1964/05/26? (#02)HPCSto MertonJust arriving, find your letter, gave to P Denis your news and wishes  [black and white photograph of a monk in the cloister of the Benedictine monastery of Bouaké in the Ivory Coast / no date, but Leclercq visiting this monastery at this time period]
 1964/06/30? HNSto MertonI have a French translation [by?] mimeo of your Rahner article in <u>Commonweal</u>.  [transferred from Sub-Section H.7, Hart Working Files, Accession 2]
 1964/07/no? HLSto MertonDans le ms. Mazarine 771 [..] le texte ne  [transferred from Sub-Section H.7, Hart Working Files, Accession 2 - no date but answered in letter of 1964/08/02]
 1964/08/02 TAL[c]from MertonMany thanks for your letter. I am grateful for the information about Mazarine 771, even thoughYes [transferred from Sub-Section H.7, Hart Working Files, Accession 2]
 1964/08/20 (#01)TLS from Gillet, Ignace / to MertonVous trouverez sous cette enveloppe la copie de la lettre que je viens d'adresser à dom Jean  [transferred from Sub-Section H.7, Hart Working Files, Accession 2 - from Dom Ignace Gillet, Abbot General of the Trappists, to Merton]
 1964/08/20 (#02)TL[c]from Gillet, IgnaceJ'ai lu, aussi vite que mes occupations me le permettent, l'article du Père Merton que vous avez  [from Dom Ignace Gillet, Abbot General of the Trappists]
 1964/08/23 HNto MertonD. Ignace writes me he sends you a copy of his long letter to me. It is clean, and it is OK.   
 1964/08/28 TL[c]from MertonI am very sorry you have had to have so much trouble with this "Monk in Diaspora" article.Yes [transferred from Sub-Section H.7, Hart Working Files, Accession 2]
 1964/08/29 (#01)HLS[x]to MertonThanks for your nice letter of Aug 19.   
 1964/08/29 (#02)TALSfrom Pennington, BasilThank you for your kind letter of July 29th, which I am only now getting to answer. I have been   
 1964/09/28 TALSfrom MertonDom Paulus Gordan is publishing a German translation of "Monk in Diaspora" in Erbe und Auftrag.Yes  
 1964/10/10 HLS[x]to MertonSeveral english abbots or monks who were at Scourmont for the funeralYes  
 1964/10/22 TL[c]from MertonMany thanks for your most recent letter, and your news. It is all right if the Monk in the DiasporaYes  
 1964/12/10 HLS[x]to MertonThanks for all your new papers. I have them sent by read by different people. I took profit   
 1965/04/02 (#01)TLSfrom MertonForgive me for keeping your offprint on the letter of St Peter Damian so long. I am returning it,Yes  
 1965/04/02 (#02)TL[c]from MertonForgive me for keeping your offprint on the letter of St Peter Damian so long. I am returning it,Yes  
 1965/04/09 HLSto MertonThanks for your letter and the news, which are not excellent, except from the viewpoint ofYes  
 1965/05/11 (#01)TL[c]from MertonThis is to thank you for the books and offprints which arrived safely. I have done my chroniqueYes  
 1965/05/11 (#02)TALSfrom MertonThis is to thank you for the books and offprints which arrived safely. I have done my chroniqueYes [transferred from Sub-Section H.7, Hart Working Files, Accession 2]
 1965/05/29 HLSto MertonI got your letter of May 11 when coming from the Obout Trappist monastery in CameroonsYes  
 1965/06/14? (#01)HPCSto MertonI enjoy immensely staying in this St Maur's Priory, Hangar, P.O. Songea, Tanzania, which isYes [verso: colorized photograph of Masai warrior - letter from Tanzania / published as a postscript to letter of 1965/05/29]
 1965/06/14? (#02)transcriptto MertonI enjoy immensely staying in St Maur's Priory, Hangar, P.O. Songea, Tanzania, which is the onlyYes [transferred from Sub-Section H.7, Hart Working Files, Accession 2 / published as a postscript to letter of 1965/05/29]
 1965/07/05 (#01)TALSfrom MertonMany thanks for the offprint on African Monasticism and for your letter from Togo. I am convinced,Yes  
 1965/07/05 (#02)TL[c]from MertonMany thanks for the offprint on African Monasticism and for your letter from Togo. I am convinced,Yes  
 1965/07/10 (#01)HLSto MertonThanks, Father, for your letter of July 5 and for your invitation to address the novices.Yes  
 1965/07/10 (#02)other <i>L'eremitismo in Occidente nei secoli XI e XII</i> [-] Atti della II Settimana Internazionale di  [enclosure with Leclercq's 1965/07/10 letter - pamphlet on western hermits of the 11th to 12th centuries, published by the Università Cattolica del S. Cuore in Milan]
 1965/07/10 (#03)other Dahomean style.  [card with west African art of the Dahomean style on one side and Leclercq's handwritten note on the other side]
 1965/07/10 (#04)other recesioni [-] GIUSEPPE VIOLA, <i>Un contemplativo nel mondo - Don Luigi Pelloux,</i> Morcelliana,  [an article on Don Luigi Pelloux]
 1965/09/18 (#01)TAL[c]from MertonYour two packages of papers have arrived from Collegeville and they are in thehands [sic] of ourYes  
 1965/09/18 (#02)TALSfrom MertonYour two packages of papers have arrived from Collegeville and they are in thehands [sic] of ourYes [verso: Leclercq's handwritten annotations]
 1965/10/18 HLSto MertonI had [indecipherable word..] these abstracts. I send you a copy of them for Fr. J. Eudes.Yes  
 1965/11/05 HLSto MertonIt's in <u>Aevum</u> 389 (1965) p 370-378 that then is an article of Francesus Casoth   
 1965/11/13 (#01)TALSfrom MertonHappy feast: it is the day of all the saints of the Order, and I am sure you have countless friendsYes  
 1965/11/13 (#02)TL[c]from MertonHappy feast: it is the day of all the saints of the Order, and I am sure you have countless friendsYes  
 1966/01/28 HLSfrom MertonReading Delamille's contribution to Eremitismo, (tr by Meniola Volume, Milan 1965) I find he   
 1966/02/08 HLSto MertonHave written to Schomelb and shall tell you if he answers. But does not always. I don't think this   
 1966/06/27 HLSto MertonI got your letter in Africa. We were working (and I had in my turn, adding some comments) in the  [transferred from Sub-Section H.7, Hart Working Files, Accession 2 - traveling between or to Einsiedeln and Clervaux]
 1966/07/07 (#01)TL[c]from MertonThanks for your good card from Africa. I have sent some mimeographs and books to the monks of HangaYes  
 1966/07/07 (#02)TALfrom MertonThanks for your good card from Africa. I have sent some mimeographs and books to the monks of HangaYes [top have of original letter only with Leclercq's annotations]
 1966/07/14 (#01)HLSto MertonThanks for your letter of Jul 7, which I found coming back from Africa and Madagascar.Yes  
 1966/07/14 (#02)TALSfrom Squire, AelredI was deeply touched at your having troubled to write to me from Africa. The situation for my book  [letter to Leclercq from Fr. Aelred Squire, a Dominican priest from St. Vith, Belgium (see "Squire, Aelred" file for letters to Merton) - see next record for note to Merton from Leclercq]
 1966/07/14 (#03)HNSto Mertondid [indecipherable name..] speak to you of the book of F. Aelred Squire, a[n] English Dominican,  [note dated 1966/07/15 written on the bottom of the letter from Fr. Aelred Squire to Leclercq]
 1966/07/21 (#01)TL[c]from MertonThanks for your two recent notes. I will certainly do what I can to help Fr Aelred Squire to getYes [transferred from Sub-Section H.7, Hart Working Files, Accession 2]
 1966/07/21 (#02)TL[c]from MertonThanks for your two recent notes. I will certainly do what I can to help Fr Aelred Squire to getYes  
 1966/08/16 HLSto MertonI know now that I shall land down at Louisville Airport on Sat. 27 Aug at 21.05 Fl. A A 741.Yes  
 1966/10/10 HLSto MertonSeveral english abbots or monks who were at Scourmont for the funeral of D. Belongey[?] suggested   
 1966/11/18 (#01)TALSfrom MertonYesterday your <u>Chances de la spiritualite occidentale</u> arrived and I want to thank you veryYes  
 1966/11/18 (#02)TL[c]from MertonYesterday your <u>Chances de la spiritualite occidentale</u> arrived and I want to thank you veryYes  
 1966/12/10 HLSto MertonThanks for all your new papers. I have them read by different people. I took profit by them   
 1966/12/12 HLSto MertonThanks for the last essays you sent. Work on! The AIM is preparing a journey for me,Yes [AIM is an acronym for Aide à l'Implantation Monastique]
 1967/02/17 (#01)TALSfrom MertonForgive my long delay in answering your pre Christmas letter. I was swamped by letters in DecemberYes  
 1967/02/17 (#02)TL[c]from MertonForgive my long delay in answering your pre Christmas letter. I was swamped by letters in DecemberYes  
 1967/04/11 (#01)TAL[x]to MertonL'Asie a commencé à Orly, deuxième étape de ce boeing Londres-Tokyo de Air-India avec ses hôtesses  [written from the Asirvanam Monastery in Kengeri, India / see "Series 2"]
 1967/04/11 (#02)TALto MertonL'Asie a commencé à Orly, deuxième étape de ce boeing Londres-Tokyo de Air-India avec ses hôtesses  [written from the Asirvanam Monastery in Kengeri, India]
 1967/04/13 TLto MertonJe continue la retraite ici à raison de trois causeries par jour. Il y a de la beauté dans le site   
 1967/04/19 TLfrom MertonLa retraite à Asirvanam dura jusqu'à samedi soir. Ce dernier après-midi, avec un moine indien,   
 1967/04/21 TLto MertonVoici achevée cette expérience de l'Ashram chrétien, dont je ne sais si je pourrai vous dire grand   
 1967/04/23 TLto MertonTrois heures de vol lent et bas dans un petit Volker des India Air Lines, comme ceux de Luxair,   
 1967/04/27 TLto MertonVoici déjà qu'approche la fin de mon séjour en ce monastère si tué au bord de la mer, près des   
 1967/04/30 TLto MertonUn dernier mot avant de quitter ce Cambodge si attachant, parce que si plein de problèmes, et aussi   
 1967/04/no? HPCSto MertonThank you for sending books to Sweden. You know that surface mail is slow, especiallyYes [1 postcard and 1 extra page - verso of postcard: color photograph of a bust of Egyptian King Tutankhamen]
 1967/05/05 TLto MertonVoici déjà presque une semaine passée dans ce pays en guerre. Les premières images que   
 1967/05/07 TALto MertonJ'avais passé la dernière nuit à Saïgon dans la procure de l'un des ordres religieux.   
 1967/05/22 TLto MertonAvant-hier samedi, après un vol d'une demi-heure, nous arrivons à Ban-me-Thuot. Comme je devais  [begins midway of page 17 on last page of 1967/05/07]
 1967/05/23 HLSto MertonI am glad to leave this country of VN after 26 days of anger. Not because of the war, whichYes  
 1967/05/24 TALto MertonHier, anniversaire de la naissance de Bouddha, journée de trêve pour la guerre, ou plutôt pour   
 1967/05/25 TLto MertonJe passe cette Fête-Dieu au monastère cistercien de Phuoc Son, à une trentaine de kilomètres  [begins midway of page 27 on last page of 1967/05/24]
 1967/05/26 TLto MertonVol Saïgon-Manila. Ce matin, dernière causerie à Mhuoc Son. Le jeune Père qui me conduisait  [begins midway of page 31 on last page of 1967/05/25]
 1967/05/31 TLto MertonJe trouve enfin le moment pour vous écrire après ces premières journées à Manille, qui furent très   
 1967/05/no? HPCSto Mertonit's a joy for me to hear that your book, translated, give a good idea of US in this country.Yes [verso: color photograph of "People praying at the main altar of the Xa Loi Pagoda, downtown Saigon"]
 1967/06/01 TLto MertonCe matin, on m'a gentiment conduit voir l'un des "barrios", villages pauvres comme il y en a dans   
 1967/06/04 TALto MertonCes derniers jours à Manille m'ont beaucoup instruit sur les Philippines et sur les chances   
 1967/06/07 TL[c]from MertonI don't know if you are still in the Philippines or [w]hether you are on your way back to Europe.Yes [transferred from Sub-Section H.7, Hart Working Files, Accession 2]
 1967/06/11 TLto MertonC'est seulement dans le train de nuit qui m'emmène vers Djakharta que je trouve le temps de vous   
 1967/06/12 TALto MertonDans le train qui me ramène de Rawaseneng à Djakarta, et pendent que mes souvenirs de votre   
 1967/06/29 HLSto MertonThanks for your private and circular letters. I flew back from Djakarta to Vichy via Singapore,Yes  
 1967/07/02 TL[c]from MertonMany thanks for the booklet about the charming little Abbey of St Vincent de Chantelle.Yes [transferred from Sub-Section H.7, Hart Working Files, Accession 2]
 1967/07/18 (#01)TLSfrom MertonI have just finished reading your collection of letters on your Asian journey. Quite an experience!Yes [see "Series 2" for the referenced collection of letters of Leclercq's Asian journey]
 1967/07/18 (#02)TL[c]from MertonI have just finished reading your collection of letters on your Asian journey. Quite an experience!Yes [see "Series 2" for the referenced collection of letters of Leclercq's Asian journey]
 1967/07/20 HLSto MertonI come from a conference on monastic liturgy in Orval: 100 monks and cloistered nuns OSB. OCSO.Yes  
 1967/08/08 HLSto MertonFirst, thank you for your kind judgment on my letters from Asia. I plan, during my flights in USYes  
 1967/08/23 HLSto MertonI understand that I have to stay in the hotel on a weekend, from Sat to Mo. OK. As it would be   
 1967/08/29 HLSto MertonThanks for your new letter of Aug 19. I maintain the date I fixed, weekend of Sept 9-10, unless youYes  
 1967/10/28 HLSto MertonI had just commented [on] the Message of the Contemplatives to the Synod, in the wonderful CarmelYes  
 1967/11/10 (#01)TLSfrom MertonSorry to have been silent so long. I have been over my ears in letters etc and cannot handle it.Yes [transferred from Sub-Section H.7, Hart Working Files, Accession 2]
 1967/11/10 (#02)TL[c]from MertonSorry to have been silent so long. I have been over my ears in letters etc and cannot handle it.Yes  
 1967/12/30 HLSto MertonThanks, dear P. Louis, for the papers you sent me. I gave the envelope to a confrère who had heardYes  
 1968/01/09 TLSto MertonJe commence par vous accuser réception du chèque destiné au Dr. Bolshakoff et que nous tenons   
 1968/01/14 (#01)TLSfrom MertonAnnuntio tibi gaudium magnum: habemus abbatem-- I waited for the election before replying to yourYes  
 1968/01/14 (#02)TL[c]from MertonAnnuntio tibi gaudium magnum: habemus abbatem-- I waited for the election before replying to yourYes  
 1968/01/21 HLSto MertonThanks for the good news. And for the contemplatives' forum. I had heard of it, but not read.Yes  
 1968/01/30 (#01)TALSfrom MertonMany thanks for your letter of the 21st about the Bangkok meeting. I have discussed it with the newYes [Leclercq's annotations]
 1968/01/30 (#02)TL[c]from MertonMany thanks for your letter of the 21st about the Bangkok meeting. I have discussed it with the newYes  
 1968/01/30 (#03)transcriptfrom MertonMerci beaucoup de votre lettre du 21 au sujet de la rencontre de Bangkok. J'en ai discuté avecYes [French translation of Merton's letter to Leclercq of 1968/01/30]
 1968/02/02 HLSto MertonThanks for your letter which I received today. I read it to Abbot de Floris, who brought meYes  
 1968/03/09 (#01)TL[c]from MertonI am afraid I cannot yet give any definite answer on the Bangkok project. Fr Flavian has not saidYes  
 1968/03/09 (#02)transcriptfrom MertonI am afraid I cannot yet give any definite answer on the Bangkok project. Fr Flavian has not saidYes  
 1968/04/no? HNSfrom MertonHere is a new thing for modern monks!! I invite my fellow Goliards to publish with me. Remember  [no date - Merton's note written on the first page of the Spring issue of <u>Monks Pond</u> sent to Leclercq]
 1968/06/01 HNSto MertonNothing new, except that the former Prior of the Bénédictines of Thien An has been killed in SaigonYes  
 1968/06/14 TL[c]from MertonThanksfirst [sic] of all for <i>Ecclesia saltans</i>, who will appear in due course dancingYes  
 1968/07/23 (#01)TALS[x]from MertonThanks for your good letter about the arrangements for Bangkok. I will be glad to give the talkYes  
 1968/07/23 (#02)other Thanks for your good lettre [sic] about the arrangements for Bangkok. I will be glad to give  [retyped portion of the letter of 1968/07/23]
 1968/10/15 (#01)HLSto MertonWhen do you plan to be in Japan? I still plat to be here from Nov. 25 around, until Dec 6-7,  [transferred from Sub-Section H.7, Hart Working Files, Accession 2 - writing from Clervaux]
 1968/10/15 (#02)HLSto Burns, FlavianI suppose you know where is F. Louis. Could you forward this letter to him, and already if you know  [transferred from Sub-Section H.7, Hart Working Files, Accession 2 - writing from Clervaux]
 1968/11/03 TALSfrom de Floris, Marie, Abbé, O.S.B.Un mois seulement nous sépare désormais de la rencontre de Bangkok.  [transferred from Sub-Section H.7, Hart Working Files, Accession 2 - addressed, "Mon Révérend Père, Ma Révérende Mère,"] travel details and schedule of speakers for Bangkok conference where Merton died (and was one of the speakers)
 1968/11/08 HLSto MertonI shall be in New Delhi (American Express, International Hotel. Wellesley Rd) from Nov 23 05.25 am  [transferred from Sub-Section H.7, Hart Working Files, Accession 2 - writing from Rome]
 1971/03/22 HLSto Center from Leclercq, JeanI enclose what I have and find at the moment of the letters of T. Merton. I may have more   
 1971/04/12 TL[x]from Center to Leclercq, JeanForgive me for being so long in answering your letter, but Fr. Pooler asked me to write you since   
 1971/06/11 HLS[x]to Center from Leclercq, JeanI have still found this letter of T. Merton which may be important for his biography and I send you   
 1971/06/18 TL[x]from Center to Leclercq, JeanYou were so kind to send us another letter of Fr. Louis' for our Thomas Merton Collection.   
 1972/07/26 HLSto Center from Leclercq, JeanI still found these 2 letters of T. Merton which I think it could be interesting for you to have.   
 1972/11/07 TL[c]from Center to Leclercq, JeanYour recent letter and the Merton correspondence attached to it, addressed to Mrs. Hays   
 1972/11/20 TL[c]from Center to Leclercq, JeanThank you so very much for the original letters of Thomas Merton you sent us for our Merton   
 1973/06/10 otherto Center from Leclercq, JeanThe Thomas Merton Studies Center has my permission to permit scholars to read my personal   
 undated/09/16 TALSfrom Maurice, Fr., Er. Cam.Vous savez sans doute déjà que notre dernier Chapitre Général a décidé de tenter une fondation  [Fr. Maurice of the Camaldolese Hermits of the Congregation of Monte Corona, Holy Family Hermitage in McConnelsville, Ohio - likely to Leclercq]
 undated/no/no (#01)TLto MertonJe vais demander un conseil sur la pratique du voeu de pauvreté et vous exprimer en même temps  [first page only - the rest missing]
 undated/no/no (#02)HLS[x]to MertonThey have service specifically for that, they send many books  [partial letter - page two and three - missing first page]
 undated/no/no (#03)other Xtianity is <u>beyond</u> religion and <u>beyond</u> culture.  [notes by Merton?]
 undated/no/no (#04)HLS[x]to MertonI am not an authority, but I find <u>The Night of Destiny</u> OK.   
 undated/no/no (#05)HLSto MertonI never hound myself about   
 undated/no/no (#06)otherby Leclercq, Jean1. Demander "<u>ce que l'Afrique attend des moines</u>", c'est peut-être ne pas bien poser  [transferred from Sub-Section H.7, Hart Working Files, Accession 2 / Title: "Perspectives sur l'avenir du monachisme africain"]
 undated/no/no (#07)HNSto MertonP.S. Thanks for your new letter. P. Erwinis Fraternité de la Vierge des Pauvres BOURRICOS | PAR  [transferred from Sub-Section H.7, Hart Working Files, Accession 2]
        

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