Chestnut Hill College’s religious studies department will host one of the foremost Thomas Merton scholars and interpreters of his writings, Jonathan Montaldo, when he delivers his lecture, “Entering the Wisdom School of Your Own Life: A Thomas Merton Teaching on Contemplative Prayer,” on Wednesday, March 25, at 2 p.m., at the College’s Redmond Room, St. Joseph Hall. This lecture will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Thomas Merton, who was a Trappist monk and spiritual writer.

Jonathan Montaldo is the general editor of the Fons Vitae Thomas Merton Series and a former director of the Thomas Merton Center at Bellarmine University, in Louisville, Ky. He served as associate director of the Merton Institute for Contemplative Living and has edited numerous volumes of Merton’s writings that include “We are Already One: Thomas Merton’s Message of Hope,” which is a book of reflections to honor Merton’s time in centenary. Montaldo is also a former president of the International Thomas Merton Society.

Thomas Merton wrote the best-selling autobiography, “The Seven-Storey Mountain” which has been called “An Augustine’s Confessions for the Modern Era.” He worked throughout his life to bring peace and justice worldwide until his sudden death in 1968 at the age of 52, while he travelled through Thailand to a conference of mystics from several different regions.

This lecture is free and open to the public. Contact Stephen Martin, Ph.D., chair of religious studies and philosophy, at 215.248.7075 or martins2@chc.edu for more information.