New entry regarding a recent trip to Gethsemani.
10-April 2022: On Friday, I visited The Abbey of Gethsemani which is probably best known as the monastery where the late Thomas Merton was cloistered.
This visit was long overdue as I’ve been an admirer of Merton’s for many years. My book shelf is filled with his books. He left an example of a contemplative life that resonates with me greatly. As such, I’ve been meaning to visit Gethsemani, perhaps as a pilgrimage of sorts, since I moved to Kentucky in 2004 but never made the time until now.
Honestly, it was too brief a trip as I had my infant grandson with me and it was very poor weather. Walking around the grounds was not possible. I did spend a bit of time in the gift shop and welcome center. This trip was more a “recon” visit for a future retreat I plan to take. This retreat is something I have wanted to do for years and almost did in 2020 before COVID-19 changed plans. It is something that my late father encouraged me to do a few days before he died. From a perspective, it will be fulfilling a dying wish.
I suppose I’ll have more to share about this place in months to come. I do encourage anyone to explore the life and works of Thomas Merton…..and, on a lesser high minded item, I encourage everyone to try some of the fudge that the Trappist monks make. DELICIOUS!.
