"I have not seen anything so beautiful, so profoundly honest, so creatively done, so deeply real as this wonderful collection of memories, of people, of the depth of this monk of my heart."—Sister Joan Chittister of Mt. St. Benedict in Erie
Description
More than a decade has passed since Brother Thomas Bezanson’s death, and it is more than time to share the Tales of Thomas. On so many levels his presence is palpable. His art, his legacy with the Brother Thomas Fellowships, his words of wisdom, and his gentle spirit inform and enrich the lives of so many. This collection of details, dates, words of wisdom, and his personal interactions is intended to share an atypical portrait of Brother Thomas. Thomas was a gifted ceramic artist who managed to share his spiritual struggles and journey, all while providing concise insights on how to elevate our lives. He wrote: “The first extensions of freedom in the human spirit are: creativity and love.” His art has managed to raise the standards for all who work in clay and aspire to create and share gifts from the fire. He encouraged the sharing of his art, saying: “The art is not complete until it is shared with others.” Some 80 museums now have his work as part of their collections. Hundreds of patrons own his work and are nourished by them daily. And, to date, forty-four Brother Thomas Fellows have been supported by his vision and legacy of generosity. He lived within the Rule of Saint Benedict, and his art and wisdom have extended the sense of the Holy to all of us.
September 2019