The Ground of Love and Truith: Reflections on Thomas Merton's Relationship with the Woman Known as "M";

An articulation of how Thomas Merton faced and grappled with the questions of personal integrity and vocational commitment in his relationship with a woman known only as M.

Thomas Merton, one of the most prolific writers in American history, was a priest and Trappist monk. Two years before his death in a bizarre accident in December of 1968, Merton engaged in a loving relationship with a young nurse about twenty five years his junior, whom he referred to in his journal only as M. He wrote about his love for M, whose name is Margie, in great detail and with genuine affection and anguish.