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Merton's Correspondence with:

Sr. Mary Luke Tobin; Sr. Luke Tobin; Mother Mary Luke Tobin; Mother Luke Tobin; Tobin, Luke, Sr.

Tobin, Mary Luke, Sr., S.L., 1908-2006  printer

 
 

Descriptive Summary

Record Group: Section A - Correspondence
Dates of materials: 1960-1968; 1978-2008
Volume: 70 item(s); 106 pg(s)

Scope and Content

Merton discusses with Sr. Mary Luke Tobin some of the events of the Second Vatican Council, changes occurring in religious life (aggiornamento), recorded conferences Merton sends to the Sisters of Loretto, and plans for some of Merton's friends to speak at the Loretto Motherhouse, including Fr. Daniel Berrigan and Daniel Walsh.

Biography

Sr. Mary Luke Tobin was former Superior General of the Sisters of Loretto. She writes from the Loretto Motherhouse in Nerinx, Kentucky. Sr. Mary Luke was the only American woman who served as an observer to the Second Vatican Council.

Usage Guidelines and Restrictions

Please click here for general restrictions concerning Merton's correspondence.

Related Information and Links

See published letters from Merton to Tobin in The School of Charity, pp. 227, 231-232, 250-251, 287-289, 351, 353 and 379. See also Hidden in the Same Mystery: Thomas Merton and Loretto.

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

Series NumberSeries NameTotal Records
1 Correspondence 45
2 Merton's Lectures to Loretto Novices and Postulants 5
3 Tobin's Lectures and Articles on Merton 5
4 Correspondence Regarding the Publication of Hidden in the Same Mystery 15

Container List

Click icons for links: ✓="Published | Library Record", ✉="Scanned" | 🗷="Scanned, Viewable Only at Merton Center"

#DateFrom/ToFirst LinesPub ✓Notes
 y/m/dMerton Scan ✉ 
1. Series 1: 1960/09/24 TLS[x] from Merton We have here with us at the Abbey for about a year a friend of mine and Professor of Philosophy Series 1: Correspondence... «detailed view»
2. Series 1: 1960/10/14 TLS[x] from Merton I wish to join Dr Walsh in offering you all good wishes and assuring you of special prayers on your Series 1: Correspondence... «detailed view»
3. Series 1: 1961/05/09 HLS[x] from Merton This is to let you know that I have written to Father Danielou telling him that you have offered Series 1: Correspondence... «detailed view»
4. Series 1: 1961/05/19 TLS[x] from Merton Dr Walsh has asked me to say a Mass for all those who are making profession at Loretto on the 31st. Series 1: Correspondence... «detailed view»
5. Series 1: 1961/07/10 TLS[x] from Merton Here is a short piece on Loretto and Gethsemani. As Dan Walsh told you I wanted to write something Series 1: Correspondence... «detailed view»
6. Series 1: 1961/07/28 TLS[x] from Merton Here is the little piece on Gethsemani and Loretto, completed by an extra page which I have added Series 1: Correspondence... «detailed view»
7. Series 1: 1961/08/no? TNS[x] from Merton There is no need to put anything special on the booklet, about the censors. The new regulations Series 1: Correspondence... «detailed view»
8. Series 1: 1962/02/02 HPCS to Merton We saw these Indians in southern Chile - a most interesting country. It is hard to make a choice Series 1: Correspondence... [verso: black and white photograph of a woman in traditional garb from Mapuche, Chile] «detailed view»
9. Series 1: 1962/05/29 (#01) TLS[x] from Merton A quick note to you with this little letter I wrote to the vow class. I shall be there in spirit ✓ Series 1: Correspondence... «detailed view»
10. Series 1: 1962/05/29 (#02) TL[x]  from Merton to Novices of the Sisters of Loretto The day has come for you to give yourselves completely to Christ Our Lord. ✓ Series 1: Correspondence... [Cold War Letters #76 - see also "Loretto Sisters' Novices" file - from a purple ditto copy among Tobin's file of Merton letters] «detailed view»
11. Series 1: 1962/08/11 TLS[x] from Merton Good, I will have Fr Berrigan and Tony over there on the 17th, and wish I could be there too, Series 1: Correspondence... «detailed view»
12. Series 1: 1962/08/25 HPCS to Merton Happy Fest, and a remembrance in prayer. Thank you for Father Berrigan. His compassionate love of Series 1: Correspondence... [verso: color print of "Vierge et Enfant" from the Louvre] «detailed view»
13. Series 1: 1963/07/no? HPCS to Merton What a glorious experience to visit Rome! Pope John looked tired, but read the beatification decree Series 1: Correspondence... [verso: color postcard of a skyline in Rome, Italy / no date nor discernable postmark date - seems to be written in the summer of 1963] «detailed view»
14. Series 1: 1963/08/23 TALS[x] from Merton Thanks so much for your letter and for your kindness in copying out the article. The copies will Series 1: Correspondence... «detailed view»
15. Series 1: 1964/07/31? TLS[x] from Merton I hope you have by now received the tape. I gave it to one of our people to bring over on Saturday, Series 1: Correspondence... [Merton includes on the stationery some cut-out block letters spelling: "THE MONKS. MODERN MOVING... WITH OLD-FASHIONED CARE"] «detailed view»
16. Series 1: 1964/08/15 TL[c] from Merton I don't know if you have gone to Rome yet, but in any case someone will know what to do about ✓ Series 1: Correspondence... «detailed view»
17. Series 1: 1964/08/20 TALS to Merton Thank you for your letter and for the mimeographed articles which arrived yesterday. These are Series 1: Correspondence... «detailed view»
18. Series 1: 1964/09/03 TL[c] from Merton Thanks for your letter of August 20th. And first of all, I would like very much to see you before ✓ Series 1: Correspondence... «detailed view»
19. Series 1: 1964/11/01 TL[c] from Merton It was not really a surprise to me that you were chosen as observer from the better half ✓ Series 1: Correspondence... [dated "All Saints, 1964"] «detailed view»
20. Series 1: 1964/11/06 HPCS to Merton We had a very nice visit with the Gethsemani students at the House of Studies here. I have also Series 1: Correspondence... [verso: color photograph of a painting inside the Catacombs in Rome, Italy] «detailed view»
21. Series 1: 1964/12/21 TL[c] from Merton It was great having you here, and we all enjoyed the talk very much. And profited by it too. Series 1: Correspondence... «detailed view»
22. Series 1: 1964/12/23 TLS to Merton Thank you for your note received today. I am very sure the art department at Webster College would Series 1: Correspondence... «detailed view»
23. Series 1: 1965/03/01 TLS to Merton I have a letter from Sister Marie de Lourdes, S.U., who will arrive in Louisville on March 14. Series 1: Correspondence... «detailed view»
24. Series 1: 1965/05/04 TALS to Merton Thank you for your note. I'm just as glad I couldn't come on the fourth. I am sending you Series 1: Correspondence... [verso: handwritten note by Merton] «detailed view»
25. Series 1: 1965/05/10 HLS to Merton Thursday (13th) at 2p.m. will be fine with me. I'm looking forward to discussing the document Series 1: Correspondence... «detailed view»
26. Series 1: 1965/07/07 TL[c] from Merton It was nice to see some Loretto bonnets up in the balcony at Mass today. But that is not what I am ✓ Series 1: Correspondence... «detailed view»
27. Series 1: 1965/07/12 TALS to Merton I've sent a note to Sister Deborah at Webster to ask her to send you some details on our anniversary Series 1: Correspondence... «detailed view»
28. Series 1: 1965/07/18 TL[c] from Merton I have just received the final ok about moving into the hermitage, which will be some time next ✓ Series 1: Correspondence... «detailed view»
29. Series 1: 1965/07/20 TALS to Merton I am very grateful to learn from the Abbot's letter that you will be able to see us for a short time Series 1: Correspondence... «detailed view»
30. Series 1: 1965/08/03 HLS[x] from Merton I asked Fr Abbot about stopping by at Loretto and he did not want it - as I suppose I could have Series 1: Correspondence... «detailed view»
31. Series 1: 1965/12/18 HLS[x] from Merton Welcome home! I bet you are tired and happy. It has been great fun to be alive in these days Series 1: Correspondence... «detailed view»
32. Series 1: 1966/01/03 TLS[x] from Merton I am a great relic man. I realize I need to have friends around in the hermitage. Series 1: Correspondence... «detailed view»
33. Series 1: 1966/09/06 HCS to Merton Just a note of enthusiastic appreciation for "Conjectures-" Dan Walsh kindly let me read Series 1: Correspondence... [verso: color print of a Russian icon of the Trinity] «detailed view»
34. Series 1: 1967/03/30 HPCS to Merton Beautiful Country in the northwest - Douglas firs incredibly high. The straits are on both sides Series 1: Correspondence... [postcard from Victoria, British Columbia, Canada - verso: color photograph of "Mounties": "A troop of the world famous Royal Canadian Mounted Police attending the raising of the new flag."] «detailed view»
35. Series 1: 1967/08/02 HCS to Merton How good of you to help us out as you have - Thanks so very much from all of us. Series 1: Correspondence... «detailed view»
36. Series 1: 1967/08/14 TLS[x] from Merton I hope the General Chapter went along all right. I have thought of you often. And also tomorrow Series 1: Correspondence... «detailed view»
37. Series 1: 1967/11/08 TL[c] from Merton Plans have finally matured for the Contemplative Superiors to come down here, but as it is a very ✓ Series 1: Correspondence... «detailed view»
38. Series 1: 1967/12/02 TL[c] from Merton I really appreciate the kindness of the sisters in going to Louisville to pick up my gang ✓ Series 1: Correspondence... «detailed view»
39. Series 1: 1967/12/09 HNS to Merton This Corita-like message is to say thanks for a wonderful sharing this past week. How nice that Series 1: Correspondence... [message on a note shaped like a Christmas stocking] «detailed view»
40. Series 1: 1968/03/22 (#01) TLS to Merton I have written a note to Reverend Father asking permission to visit you at 2:00 p.m. on March 28. Series 1: Correspondence... «detailed view»
41. Series 1: 1968/03/22 (#02) TLS to Burns, Flavian May I extend to you my very best wishes on the occasion of your Blessing. May the Lord grant you Series 1: Correspondence... [to Dom Flavian Burns, Abbot of Gethsemani Abbey] «detailed view»
42. Series 1: 1968/05/01 (#01) TL[c] from Merton I'm getting this back to you promptly as I am supposed to leave for California Monday. Good idea Series 1: Correspondence... «detailed view»
43. Series 1: 1968/05/01 (#02) HLS to Merton We're so happy to have this in typed form. Only a small part is not here - something lost Series 1: Correspondence... «detailed view»
44. Series 1: 1968/05/21 HCS to Merton All set for the meeting here on Sunday. Sister Mary Francis will meet the three coming Series 1: Correspondence... «detailed view»
45. Series 1: 1968/06/04 HCS to Merton Last week was a sheer joy. Thank you from the bottom of my heart (surely from somewhere Series 1: Correspondence... «detailed view»
46. Series 2: 1961/10/04 transcript by Merton Father Louis began speaking by thanking the Novices and Postulants for a beautiful performance of ✓ Series 2: Merton's Lectures to Loretto Novices and Postulant... [lecture by Merton primarity on religious life as vocation with some comments about ministry in New Mexico among Hopis and other native peoples] «detailed view»
47. Series 2: 1962/01/10 transcript by Merton You're the class that's going to make vows, is that right? … I was ordained on Ascension Thursday. ✓ Series 2: Merton's Lectures to Loretto Novices and Postulant... [lecture by Merton to Loretto Second-Year Novices on the spiritual life and life of the vows] «detailed view»
48. Series 2: 1963/05/15 transcript by Merton In prayer don't measure everything by your expectations, and when you're starting out, (I don't know ✓ Series 2: Merton's Lectures to Loretto Novices and Postulant... ["Talk of Father Louis to Novices and Postulants: May 15, 1963" with sections labeled: "What Are the Fruits of Prayer in Daily Life", "In Prayer, How Can You Tell When It's the False Self that Is Acting in Prayer or Your True Self"…, and "Comments on Recollection"] «detailed view»
49. Series 2: 1964/11/01? transcript by Merton In Profession, you have certain necessary elements. Profession implies three things, only one ✓ Series 2: Merton's Lectures to Loretto Novices and Postulant... ["Comments on the Vows" - no date, but Bonnie Thurston speculates Merton sent it to Tobin on November 1, 1964, along with his essay "Identity Crisis and Monastic Vocation"] «detailed view»
50. Series 2: undated/no/no transcript by Merton I think a person who is really living a life of prayer should in his daily life be very simple Series 2: Merton's Lectures to Loretto Novices and Postulant... [under the title "What Are the Fruits of Prayer in Daily Life?"] «detailed view»
51. Series 3: 1978/09/27 (#01) other by Tobin, Mary Luke, Sr., S.L. THOMAS MERTON: TEN YEARS LATER [-] Later this fall, Sister Mary Luke Tobin will organize discussion- ✓ Series 3: Tobin's Lectures and Articles on Merton... [interview with Sr. Mary Luke Tobin published in Interchange, September 27, 1978] «detailed view»
52. Series 3: 1978/09/27 (#02) other by Tobin, Mary Luke, Sr., S.L. On a spring morning in 1963, the novices of the Sisters of Loretto in Kentucky were expecting ✓ Series 3: Tobin's Lectures and Articles on Merton... [“Merton on Prayer: Start Where You Are” with 4 Photographs by Thomas Merton in National Catholic Reporter 19 (14 October 1983): Supplement on Praying no. 1, pp. 11-15] «detailed view»
53. Series 3: 1978/09/27 (#02) other by Tobin, Mary Luke, Sr., S.L. THOMAS MERTON: TEN YEARS LATER [-] (This interview with Mary Luke Tobin was published in ✓ Series 3: Tobin's Lectures and Articles on Merton... [transcript of interview with Sr. Mary Luke Tobin published in Interchange, September 27, 1978 for inclusion in Hidden in the Same Mystery] «detailed view»
54. Series 3: 1990/11/03? other by Tobin, Mary Luke, Sr., S.L. It is a joy to be here. I've been here before and it's always a pleasure because people ✓ Series 3: Tobin's Lectures and Articles on Merton... ["Prayer and Commitment in Thomas Merton" delivered November 3, 1990 at Nazareth College in Rochester, New York] «detailed view»
55. Series 3: undated/no/no other by Tobin, Mary Luke, Sr., S.L. It is a joy to be here. I've been here before and it's always a pleasure because people Series 3: Tobin's Lectures and Articles on Merton... ["Prophecy and Commitment in Thomas Merton"] «detailed view»
56. Series 4: 2001/05/15 TLS to Thurston, Bonnie What a surprise to find the blue bag with its lovely contents on my chair which I presume you put Series 4: Correspondence Regarding the Publication of Hid... «detailed view»
57. Series 4: 2001/06/25 TL from Thurston, Bonnie Thanks for your note of May 15th. I'm sorry I didn't get over to see you during the ITMS meeting Series 4: Correspondence Regarding the Publication of Hid... «detailed view»
58. Series 4: 2001/06/28 TLS to Thurston, Bonnie Thank you for your great letter. Great, because you have such wonderful suggestions on what to do Series 4: Correspondence Regarding the Publication of Hid... «detailed view»
59. Series 4: 2001/12/22 TLS to Thurston, Bonnie What a pleasure to hear from you. This has indeed been a busy year for you, but knowing your Series 4: Correspondence Regarding the Publication of Hid... «detailed view»
60. Series 4: 2002/03/06 (#01) email  from Johnson, Susan / to Bonnie Thurston Greetings from Louisville! We haven't met, but a couple of weeks ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Series 4: Correspondence Regarding the Publication of Hid... [see reply on top of the same printed email] «detailed view»
61. Series 4: 2002/03/06? (#02) email  from Thurston, Bonnie / to Susan Johnson Luke gave me transcripts of the tapes last June. Here is what I told her: I would be very happy Series 4: Correspondence Regarding the Publication of Hid... [response undated - see previous message on the bottom of the same printed email] «detailed view»
62. Series 4: 2002/03/30 TL  from Thurston, Bonnie / to Mary Catherine Rabbitt, S.L. I am a friend of Sr. Luke Tobin's (and others in your community). Sr. Rose Annette Liddell said you Series 4: Correspondence Regarding the Publication of Hid... «detailed view»
63. Series 4: 2002/06/05 TLS  from Rabbitt, Mary Catherine, S.L. / to Bonnie Thurston Thank you for your letter of March 30 concerning the publication of the Merton talks that you Series 4: Correspondence Regarding the Publication of Hid... «detailed view»
64. Series 4: 2002/08/17 TL  from Thurston, Bonnie / to Anne McCormick I'm writing to you in your capacity on the Merton Legacy Trust in hopes you can give some direction Series 4: Correspondence Regarding the Publication of Hid... «detailed view»
65. Series 4: 2002/08/22 email  from McCormick, Anne / to Bonnie Thurston It was so good to hear from you last night when I collected my mail at home, and I thank you Series 4: Correspondence Regarding the Publication of Hid... «detailed view»
66. Series 4: 2002/09/05 email  from McCormick, Anne / to Bonnie Thurston As promised I sent off your correspondence on this project to Bob Giroux and Tommie O'Callaghan. Series 4: Correspondence Regarding the Publication of Hid... «detailed view»
67. Series 4: 2002/09/27 email  from McCormick, Anne / to Bonnie Thurston Bonnie, a bit after the fact there is an official okay from Fr. Damien, verbal and through Patrick Series 4: Correspondence Regarding the Publication of Hid... «detailed view»
68. Series 4: 2002/09/27 TL  from Thurston, Bonnie / to Kate Misbauer, S.L. Mary Catherine Rabbitt gave me your name last week when I saw her in Denver. I am working on Series 4: Correspondence Regarding the Publication of Hid... «detailed view»
69. Series 4: 2005/08/24 TLS  from Swain, Mary, S.L. / to Bonnie Thurston I was with Rose Annette in Denver a few weeks ago and she gave me the manuscript to read that you Series 4: Correspondence Regarding the Publication of Hid... «detailed view»
70. Series 4: 2008/02/03 TLS  from Swain, Mary, S.L. / to Bonnie Thurston and Paul Pearson Clearly, I have no idea how to get something published. I don't know if Grey Henry is generally Series 4: Correspondence Regarding the Publication of Hid... «detailed view»
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