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Merton's Correspondence with:

Marice Gaither; Marice Mimi Gaither; Gaither, Mimi; Mrs. Thomas R. Gaither; Mrs. Thomas Gaither

Gaither, Marice "Mimi"  printer

 
"In return here is one of me-- very disedifying as I am parked in a soft armchair which is by no means 'Trappist'. It was taken out at the gatehouse by a friend, so don't think we have armchairs in the monastery: heaven forbid!" (Merton - 1959/06/09. Copyright Thomas Merton Legacy Trust.) 

Descriptive Summary

Record Group: Section A - Correspondence
Dates of materials: 1952-1971
Volume: 76 item(s); 85 pg(s)

Scope and Content

This recently acquired catch of letters was discovered by John E. King and donated to the Merton Center in 2001. King found a reference to a bound set of copied letters from Merton that John F. Gaither, Marice's son, put together. King was able to find John Gaither and obtain the originals for the Center. All the letters but one are from Merton to Gaither, or are from other monks of the monastery to Gaither.

These letters are primarily light and friendly correspondence between Merton and a regular supporter of Gethsemani. However, in their discussions of Mass intentions, John E. King points out the evolution of Merton's view of sanctification from the early to the late letters. The theme of becoming a saint stops in Merton's letters after the 1950's. (Source: King, John E. "A Small Window on a Complex Life." The Merton Seasonal: Fall 2001, pp. 19-23.)

Biography

Marice "Mimi" Gaither was a long time supporter of Gethsemani and often sent money for Mass intentions. She writes from Louisville.

Usage Guidelines and Restrictions

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

Related Information and Links

See also Merton's correspondence with Marice Gaither's son in the "Gaither, John Francis" file.

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 Merton-Gaither Correspondence 51
2 Gainer Correspondence with Gethsemani (not from or to Merton) 25

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: 1952/01/21 HCS from Merton Many thanks to you for your kindness in sending me Masses for my intentions. Be sure that I will Series 1: Merton-Gaither Correspondence... [also enclosed is a check for $10.00 endorsed by Merton] «detailed view»
2. Series 1: 1954/05/20 HCS from Merton I said a Mass for the sick this morning, for the stipend you so kindly sent, including all your Series 1: Merton-Gaither Correspondence... «detailed view»
3. Series 1: 1954/08/28 TCS from Merton How kind of you to send Masses for my intentions. It will give me a chance to offer Mass for some Series 1: Merton-Gaither Correspondence... [verso: standard note card for Mass intentions from Gethsemani: "Thank you for the alms which you have sent for 25 Masses. It is not always possible to comply with requests that Mass be offered by some particular Father"...] «detailed view»
4. Series 1: 1955/09/09 TNS from Merton Once again I am overwhelmed by your kindness and generosity. Surely Our Lady herself has provided Series 1: Merton-Gaither Correspondence... «detailed view»
5. Series 1: 1956/01/03 TLS from Fox, James During the Christmas Festivities we tried to find an opportunity to write of our gratitude Series 1: Merton-Gaither Correspondence... «detailed view»
6. Series 1: 1957/11/05 TALS from Merton It just happened, for a change, that the secretary's office passed on your latest letter, with the Series 1: Merton-Gaither Correspondence... «detailed view»
7. Series 1: 1958/05/17 TLS from Merton This is to acknoqledge [sic] the check for $75. The Masses have been entered and I hope that they Series 1: Merton-Gaither Correspondence... «detailed view»
8. Series 1: 1958/12/19 TLS from Merton Thank you again for your wonderful gift. You are much too generous to me. But I know that your Series 1: Merton-Gaither Correspondence... «detailed view»
9. Series 1: 1959/06/09 TLS from Merton I find myself indebted to you again. It seems I will never be otherwise. May the Lord Himself pay Series 1: Merton-Gaither Correspondence... [Merton encloses photograph of himself (see top of page)] «detailed view»
10. Series 1: 1959/11/12 TLS from Merton Here we go again: I think the Lord has raised you up to make sure that I retain some vestiges of Series 1: Merton-Gaither Correspondence... [encloses a "bigger, clearer and sillier picture" - black and white photograph by Sibylle Akers of Merton beside monastery wall] «detailed view»
11. Series 1: 1960/02/27 HLS from Merton Your letter and gift brought me joy in these last dark and snowy days. You are so kind - Series 1: Merton-Gaither Correspondence... «detailed view»
12. Series 1: 1960/06/15 TALS from Merton Just before I received your letter I had finally found Sally's address which I had lost, and I wrote Series 1: Merton-Gaither Correspondence... «detailed view»
13. Series 1: 1961/03/27 HPCS from Merton Very many cordial thanks for your Easter gift. You will be included in all my Masses in this most Series 1: Merton-Gaither Correspondence... [verso: black and white photograph of the face of a carved wooden crucifix from Germany] «detailed view»
14. Series 1: 1961/08/09 TLS from Merton Your letter is here in the bunch of unanswered letters, and I am not positive that it is totally Series 1: Merton-Gaither Correspondence... «detailed view»
15. Series 1: 1961/11/08 TLS from Merton I am very sorry for the delay, again. I have been terribly busy. There are a lot of things I just Series 1: Merton-Gaither Correspondence... «detailed view»
16. Series 1: 1962/03/09 TLS from Merton Thank you for your good letter and for the enclosure. I will never cease to be grateful for your Series 1: Merton-Gaither Correspondence... «detailed view»
17. Series 1: 1962/11/10 TLS from Merton Thanks again for the Masses. Your gifts enable me to say Mass for all kinds of intentions that are Series 1: Merton-Gaither Correspondence... «detailed view»
18. Series 1: 1963/04/08 TLS from Merton My far flung net of secret service agents tells me that you are not in good health at all. Series 1: Merton-Gaither Correspondence... «detailed view»
19. Series 1: 1963/06/28 TLS from Merton Thanks again for the letter and for the immense gift: for the Mass is without limit. I shall be Series 1: Merton-Gaither Correspondence... [Merton encloses a signed, black and white, close-up photo of himself by John Howard Griffin] «detailed view»
20. Series 1: 1963/12/26 HCS from Merton Just a note to thank you and wish you all blessings. Keep courageous - we all have troubles. Series 1: Merton-Gaither Correspondence... «detailed view»
21. Series 1: 1964/01/23 HPCS from Merton I am awfully sorry to hear you are having trouble but I hope and pray the operation was successful Series 1: Merton-Gaither Correspondence... [verso: "Interior: St. John's Abbey and University Church, Collegeville, Minn."] «detailed view»
22. Series 1: 1964/03/03 TNS from Merton Thanks for your letter and for the good news that you are going home today. Thanks above all Series 1: Merton-Gaither Correspondence... «detailed view»
23. Series 1: 1964/07/12 TNS from Merton I have been saying the masses regularly for your Mother. How is she? Certainly it would be a grace Series 1: Merton-Gaither Correspondence... «detailed view»
24. Series 1: 1965/02/19 HNS from Merton Just a note to say I got your letter and offer Masses for Alice Mattingly as soon as I can. Series 1: Merton-Gaither Correspondence... «detailed view»
25. Series 1: 1965/07/20 HL to Merton Thank you so much for your very kind note that came some time ago - I appreciated it more than I can Series 1: Merton-Gaither Correspondence... «detailed view»
26. Series 1: 1966/01/17 HNS from Merton Did I ever acknowledge the Masses you sent in December? With all the rush of Christmas Series 1: Merton-Gaither Correspondence... «detailed view»
27. Series 1: 1966/01/30 HNS from Merton Thanks for the letter. I will take care of the Masses. Please tell Nan how sorry I am to Series 1: Merton-Gaither Correspondence... «detailed view»
28. Series 1: 1966/04/21 HNS from Merton Thanks again - I enjoyed your letter and will say the Masses with joy: the needs and intentions Series 1: Merton-Gaither Correspondence... «detailed view»
29. Series 1: 1966/07/11 TLS from Merton Thanks for your letter, for the stipends and for the relatively good news. I will as always be Series 1: Merton-Gaither Correspondence... «detailed view»
30. Series 1: 1966/10/18 TCS from Merton I am sorry to hear of the spread of Mother's cancer but at least glad she is not in pain. How brave Series 1: Merton-Gaither Correspondence... «detailed view»
31. Series 1: 1967/01/31 TNS from Merton Well, God came and took little Mother back to Himself at last. Her sufferings are over and now He Series 1: Merton-Gaither Correspondence... «detailed view»
32. Series 1: 1967/03/26 TLS  from Merton to Friends It has been a beautiful warm Easter here, though the most recent news from the East Coast complains ✓ Series 1: Merton-Gaither Correspondence... [see also "Circular Letters to 'Friends'" - labeled "Easter 1967"] «detailed view»
33. Series 1: 1967/10/23 TLS from Merton Thanks again-- it is good above all to hear from you and to have news of the family. Series 1: Merton-Gaither Correspondence... «detailed view»
34. Series 1: 1968/01/01 TALS  from Merton to Friends Christmas mail was an avalanche this year: it always is, but more so in 1967. News from friends ✓ Series 1: Merton-Gaither Correspondence... [labeled "NEW YEAR'S LETTER 1968" - adds a short note to Gaither concerning Mass intentions] «detailed view»
35. Series 1: 1968/04/20 TLS from Merton Here's a little picture I took: it brings you inside the enclosure of the monks: an old beat up Series 1: Merton-Gaither Correspondence... [paper has photocopied photograph of a section inside the cloister wall - "an old beat up wall and Our Lady quite and serene in the midst of everything"] «detailed view»
36. Series 1: 1968/04/no? TL[c]  from Merton to Friends As I write this there is snow on the ground from a blizzard we had the other day, but the sun is ✓ Series 1: Merton-Gaither Correspondence... [labeled "EASTER LETTER 1968"] «detailed view»
37. Series 1: 1968/08/05 TANS from Merton It must be awful rough on Nancy to be in the hospital in hot weather like this. I hope all is Series 1: Merton-Gaither Correspondence... «detailed view»
38. Series 1: 1968/08/07 TNS from Merton Yesterday I mailed my letter to you just before getting yours about Nan. I am sorry she is having Series 1: Merton-Gaither Correspondence... «detailed view»
39. Series 1: 1968/09/no? TLS[x] from Merton As you know, I have been cutting down more and more on letters and now my contacts will be almost ✓ Series 1: Merton-Gaither Correspondence... [labeled "FALL 1968"] «detailed view»
40. Series 1: undated/no/no (#01) HCS from Merton Thanks for the "little old Christmas letter" and I'm glad the heart demanded it. Series 1: Merton-Gaither Correspondence... «detailed view»
41. Series 1: undated/no/no (#02) HNS from Merton Glad to hear the good news. Take a good rest and when you get home ask Jesus to be patient in you Series 1: Merton-Gaither Correspondence... «detailed view»
42. Series 1: undated/no/no (#03) HNS from Merton Thanks again for letter, news and gift. I have many to pray for everywhere and there is Series 1: Merton-Gaither Correspondence... «detailed view»
43. Series 1: undated/no/no (#04) HCS from Merton Many thanks for your beautiful gift and kind remembrances to all of you at Easter - very special Series 1: Merton-Gaither Correspondence... «detailed view»
44. Series 1: undated/no/no (#05) HPCS from Merton Thanks for the check for Masses and for all the family news. I will be saying the Masses for all Series 1: Merton-Gaither Correspondence... «detailed view»
45. Series 1: undated/no/no (#06) TCS from Merton I am always in your debt, and now as much as ever. Thanks for all your thoughtfulness and for your Series 1: Merton-Gaither Correspondence... [includes a card printed at Nazareth College in Rochester, New York, with a drawing of a kneeling monk and quote from Merton: "Let my eyes see nothing in this world but your glory [-] Let my hands touch nothing that is not for your service"] «detailed view»
46. Series 1: undated/no/no (#07) HCS from Merton Your letters are always so kind that they fill me with confusion. But indeed God is good.. Series 1: Merton-Gaither Correspondence... «detailed view»
47. Series 1: undated/no/no (#08) TNS from Merton I can hardly find words to express my appreciation of your kindness and charity. Surely the Sacred Series 1: Merton-Gaither Correspondence... «detailed view»
48. Series 1: undated/no/no (#09) HCS from Merton Your letter about dear Ann's sickness is distressing and I am seeing that seven Masses will be said Series 1: Merton-Gaither Correspondence... «detailed view»
49. Series 1: undated/no/no (#10) HNS from Merton Thanks again for your wonderful and unfailing kindness. I will keep up the Masses for your Series 1: Merton-Gaither Correspondence... [written on verso of a "PRAYER for PEACE" - "(This prayer, written by Father Thomas Merton, was read in the House of Representatives by Congressman Frank Kowalski (Dem., Connecticut) on April 17, 1962 - Tuesday in Holy Week)" - (see also "Laucks, Irving F." file)] «detailed view»
50. Series 1: undated/no/no (#12) HCS from Merton Again- more of your wonderful generosity. May I include in these Masses something for others Series 1: Merton-Gaither Correspondence... «detailed view»
51. Series 1: undated/no/no (#14) HNS from Merton Many thanks for your letter and for the Masses. So many priests are having a rough time these days. Series 1: Merton-Gaither Correspondence... «detailed view»
52. Series 2: 1953/02/15 other   Thomas Merton's Sequel To His 1948 Autobiography [-] A Review by William Habich Series 2: Gainer Correspondence with Gethsemani (not from or... [newspaper clipping from the Louisville Courier-Journal] «detailed view»
53. Series 2: 1953/02/23 TLS from Francis de Sales, Fr., O.C.S.O. We are deeply grateful for your continued interest and support of the work here at the Abbey of Our Series 2: Gainer Correspondence with Gethsemani (not from or... «detailed view»
54. Series 2: 1953/12/21 TNS from Gethsemani Abbey We are most grateful for your kind and generous offering for Five Holy Masses, for intentions Series 2: Gainer Correspondence with Gethsemani (not from or... «detailed view»
55. Series 2: 1954/04/23 TC from Gethsemani Abbey Your generous donation for the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass has been gratefully received. Series 2: Gainer Correspondence with Gethsemani (not from or... «detailed view»
56. Series 2: 1954/05/18 TC from Gethsemani Abbey Your generous donation for the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass has been gratefully received. Series 2: Gainer Correspondence with Gethsemani (not from or... «detailed view»
57. Series 2: 1954/05/19 TCS from Fox, James Father Louis received your letter and thanks you for the Masses and appreciation. He will say one Series 2: Gainer Correspondence with Gethsemani (not from or... «detailed view»
58. Series 2: 1956/04/10 TLS from Francis de Sales, Fr., O.C.S.O. What joy should not fill our hearts as we come to the glory of Easter thru the evil of a Good Friday Series 2: Gainer Correspondence with Gethsemani (not from or... «detailed view»
59. Series 2: 1956/04/27 TALS from Francis de Sales, Fr., O.C.S.O. I hope you will forgive the delay in writing you but my good mother was down last week for her Series 2: Gainer Correspondence with Gethsemani (not from or... «detailed view»
60. Series 2: 1956/06/05 TLS from Francis de Sales, Fr., O.C.S.O. I have been praying for you during this Octave of Corpus Christi as I kneel before the Blessed Series 2: Gainer Correspondence with Gethsemani (not from or... «detailed view»
61. Series 2: 1956/08/23 TLS from Francis de Sales, Fr., O.C.S.O. Before I go to Choir to sing Vespers I want to drop this note to tell you that we received Series 2: Gainer Correspondence with Gethsemani (not from or... «detailed view»
62. Series 2: 1956/12/26 TLS from Francis de Sales, Fr., O.C.S.O. May the manger of your heart be guarded by the faithful Joseph - be warmed by the tender Mary - Series 2: Gainer Correspondence with Gethsemani (not from or... «detailed view»
63. Series 2: 1957/01/02 TLS from Francis de Sales, Fr., O.C.S.O. Your good letter arrived and was given our devoted and immediate attention. It was today that I Series 2: Gainer Correspondence with Gethsemani (not from or... «detailed view»
64. Series 2: 1957/03/06 TLS from Francis de Sales, Fr., O.C.S.O. I have just come to work this afternoon and the first letter I see on our desk is yours and we are Series 2: Gainer Correspondence with Gethsemani (not from or... «detailed view»
65. Series 2: 1957/04/26 TLS from Francis de Sales, Fr., O.C.S.O. May the Risen Jesus bless you for your unbounded kindness and thoughtfulness in remembering Series 2: Gainer Correspondence with Gethsemani (not from or... «detailed view»
66. Series 2: 1957/05/31 TLS from Francis de Sales, Fr., O.C.S.O. The first bell for Vespers is ringing and that means the end of another day's work for a Trappist Series 2: Gainer Correspondence with Gethsemani (not from or... «detailed view»
67. Series 2: 1957/07/04 HCS from Gerard, Fr., O.C.S.O. Your will ever be an object of the King's love, for Jesus never forgets! Series 2: Gainer Correspondence with Gethsemani (not from or... [Fr. Gerard of Genesee Abbey in Piffard, New York] «detailed view»
68. Series 2: 1968/09/16 TLS from Hart, Patrick Your kind letter addressed to our Father Louis Merton was gratefully received, and turned over to me Series 2: Gainer Correspondence with Gethsemani (not from or... [from Br. Patrick Hart, O.C.S.O., secretary to Merton] «detailed view»
69. Series 2: 1968/11/08 TLS from Hart, Patrick Thanks so much for your kind note with the enclosed greeting and check for Father Louis. Today I am Series 2: Gainer Correspondence with Gethsemani (not from or... [from Br. Patrick Hart, O.C.S.O., secretary to Merton] «detailed view»
70. Series 2: 1968/12/11 (#01) telegram from Gethsemani Abbey WE REGRET TO INFORM YOU OF THE DEATH OF FATHER THOMAS MERTON IN BANGKOK Series 2: Gainer Correspondence with Gethsemani (not from or... «detailed view»
71. Series 2: 1968/12/11 (#02) TL  from Trappists in Bangkok / to Flavian Burns The news of the sudden and unexpected death of your beloved son, Father Louis, has already been Series 2: Gainer Correspondence with Gethsemani (not from or... [from six Trappist delegates at the conference in Bangkok to Dom Flavian Burns, Abbot of Gethsemani, in response to Merton's death - 2 copies] «detailed view»
72. Series 2: 1968/12/19 TLS from Lawrence, Br., O.C.S.O. Father Flavian wishes me to thank you for your most generous donation. He has also offered the Holy Series 2: Gainer Correspondence with Gethsemani (not from or... [typed note at the bottom of a general message from Gethsemani to friends concerning Merton's funeral on 1968/12/17] «detailed view»
73. Series 2: 1969/06/03 TLS from Bernard, Fr., O.C.S.O. Peace and joy to you in the Holy Spirit! Father Flavian handed me your kind letter of May 29, Series 2: Gainer Correspondence with Gethsemani (not from or... «detailed view»
74. Series 2: 1971/03/16 HLS from Burns, Flavian Thank you for your kind note of March 13 and your generous offering for Holy Mass. I will begin Series 2: Gainer Correspondence with Gethsemani (not from or... «detailed view»
75. Series 2: undated/no/no (#11) TL from Frater M. Z., O.C.S.O. Father Louis was quite surprised to hear that he is supposed to be Prior here. The truth is that he Series 2: Gainer Correspondence with Gethsemani (not from or... [from the secretary to Dom James Fox - Merton "asks that you pray for him, that he will become a saint"] «detailed view»
76. Series 2: undated/no/no (#13) TLS from Kostka, Fr., O.C.S.O. We received your kind letter of January 21, and the enclosed stipend for Holy Masses. Series 2: Gainer Correspondence with Gethsemani (not from or... «detailed view»
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