Thomas Merton
Philosopher
Poet, mystic, and social activist who was a Trappist monk of the Abbey of Gethsemani, Kentucky. He studied comparative religion.
He loved to write, travel, and paint growing up. He underwent his ordination to the priesthood in 1949, after which he was acknowledged as Father Louis.
He claimed it was crucial to humanity to accept and understand other people's religions.
His parents were named Ruth Jenkins and Owen Merton.
He and Elizabeth Ann Seton were both internationally renowned Catholics, with Seton being the initial founder of Catholic schools.