xt7f7m042164 https://exploreuk.uky.edu/dips/xt7f7m042164/data/mets.xml  Thomas Merton 1963-04-07 This letter is from collection 75m28 Thomas Merton papers. archival material 75m28 English  Contact the Special Collections Research Center for information regarding rights and use of this collection. Thomas Merton correspondence Letter from Thomas Merton to Victor and Carolyn Hammer, April 7, 1963 text Letter from Thomas Merton to Victor and Carolyn Hammer, April 7, 1963 1963 1963-04-07 2023 true xt7f7m042164 section xt7f7m042164 _4__
$7

ABBEY OF GETHSEMANI

TRAPPI ST, KENTUCKY

April 7, 1963

Dear Victor and Caroyyn:

You probably realize the quandary I am in. I just got a letter from the President
of the U. of Kentucky, with about a. normal delay ( dated April 2), and I observe
that I am to be Queen of the May. This is a new role for me.

Precisely, in case you don't know the full news, and you may not, I have been
awarded an honorary LLP D. which suggests that someone there is under the delusion that
I can read and write. Perhaps so. But also, and of this they are aware, I am not
able to appear at the foot of the maypole and receive my degree.

They have asked me to get someone else to do it for me. Obviously the first
person I think of is Victor, but at the same time I am sure he is even less disposed
to be Queen of the May than I am. I do not know exactly what it involves. I am not
sure whethhr a speech is required, and whether I am supposed to write one and have
my noble proxy, whoever he may be, read it. I certainly do not want to inflict this
on Victor. But if it is just a matter of sitting there in a top hat, and then
receiving the sheepskin and making a bow of some sort, then perhaps he would not mind.
But as I say, I would.not inflict this on him for worlds, if he does not want it, or if
it is too much bother. I can see that it probably is.

Anyway, Victor is my first choice. After that, I could probably embarrass a
professor at the College of the Bible into doing it. Or else I would have to look
around in Louisville, or perhaps I could get Dan Walsh here to do it. That might be
a solution except that he has got to be Queen of the May at Bellarmine, and I don't
know if it is on the same —day.

I am really very pleased to receive an honorary LL.D. I will wear my cap and
gown all around the monastery for a full week, including in choir, and make myself
entirely odious to everyone. But really, I think it is very kind of them, and when
I find out who is to be my proxy, I will write a letter of thanks. Can you tell me
if I have to send a speech or statement?

In haste, and looking forward to seeing you early in May,
With all blessings and good wishes,
in Christ,