Daniel P. Horan, PhD, a longtime Thomas Merton scholar, professor, and author of The Franciscan Heart of Thomas Merton, sits down to discuss how the Franciscan tradition helped shape the journey and spirituality of Thomas Merton, one of the 20th century’s most influential contemplatives. Horan discusses Merton’s surprising path that led him deep into the Franciscan tradition and the fascinating details as to why he became a Trappist monk instead of a Franciscan friar; how John Duns Scotus’s idea of particularity shaped Merton’s famous teaching about the true self and false self; and how both Scotus and St. Bonaventure informed Merton’s expansive Christology.
Lastly, Horan unpacks how a life grounded in contemplation freed Merton for prophetic engagement in the world, inter-religious dialogue, and exploring some of the most pressing social questions of his time.
Whether you’re a longtime Merton reader or just beginning to explore the Franciscan tradition, this conversation reveals how deeply the two are intertwined—and why both still speak so powerfully and prophetically to us today. Throughout the episode, Horan relates Merton’s journey to ours and explores why his spirituality is so important for us to consider today. If you’re interested in supporting this podcast and donating, visit friars.us or franciscanfriarscharities.org.
Daniel P. Horan is the director of the Center for the Study of Spirituality and professor of philosophy, religious studies and theology at Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Indiana. He is also affiliated professor of spirituality at the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, Texas. His most recent books are Engaging Thomas Merton: Spirituality, Justice, and Racism and Fear and Faith: Hope and Wholeness in a Fractured World.
Show Notes for The Franciscan Heart of Thomas Merton
– Horan’s book, The Franciscan Heart of Thomas Merton, is currently out of print but is still available in numerous places on the Internet.
– Explore’s Horan’s regular column in National Catholic Reporter.
– Listen to Horan’s 2025 appearance on Franciscan Media’s podcast about listening to God in times of transition.
– Explore Horan’s work on Academia.edu.
– Read this reflection on Thomas Merton by Richard Rohr, OFM.
– Learn more about the International Thomas Merton Society and its resources, including the “Tuesdays with Merton” podcast.
– Explore this season about Thomas Merton on the Center for Action and Contemplation’s “Turning to the Mystics” podcast.
– Br. Paul Quenon, OSCO, who had Thomas Merton as a spiritual director, reflects on Merton’s notion of the true self.
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