SJC to Host Lectures on Social Activist Thomas Merton

March 10, 2014

PATCHOGUE, N.Y. MARCH 11, 2014 The Institute for the Study of Religion in Community Life at St. Josephs College (SJC) is pleased to announce that Jim Forest, author, peace advocate, international secretary of the Orthodox Peace Fellowship and recipient of the Colleges Esse Non Videri Non-Violence Award, will host two lectures about Thomas Merton, Catholic monk and social activist.

"In celebration of the centennial of Thomas Mertons birth, we are pleased to welcome Jim Forest to SJC, said Edward Vinski, Ph.D., associate professor of education on SJCs Long Island Campus. "In addition to being a global peacemaker and this years Esse Non Videri Non-Violence Award recipient, Mr. Forest was a friend of Mr. Merton and can offer meaningful insight into his lifes work.

In 1938, Thomas Merton entered the Catholic faith and became a Trappist monk in 1941. Before his sudden death in 1958, he wrote more than 60 books, including his autobiography, The Seven Storey Mountain, which was among the best-selling non-fiction books of 1949, according to Time magazine. Merton was one of the most influential Catholic authors of the 20th century.

The first of the two lectures, "Thomas Mertons Advice to Peacemakers will take place on Wednesday, April 2 at 7:30 p.m. The second lecture, "Who Was Thomas Merton and Why He Still Matters will take place on Thursday, April 3 at 12:30 p.m. Both lectures will be held in the McGann Conference Center on SJCs Long Island Campus, and will be followed by a book signing.

Founded in 2001, the Institute for the Study of Religion in Community Life investigates and articulates the roles religious institutions and individual people of faith can take to enhance community life. The Institute sponsors research projects and educational seminars, develops cooperative programs with religious organizations in the community and seeks out service opportunities in the community for SJC faculty and students.

These events are free and open to the public. No RSVP is required. For more information, call 631.687.2681 or email [email protected].

SJC is located at 155 W. Roe Blvd. in Patchogue, and is accessible via the South Service Road of Sunrise Highway, just east of Exit 52 (Waverly Ave.).