Region – A dedication ceremony for the Edward J. Farley and John P. Collins Thomas Merton Resource Center at the Massachusetts Correctional Institution (MCI) – Shirley was held Oct. 21.
MCI – Shirley is the only prison International Thomas Merton Society (ITMS) Chapter in the world. John P. Collins, a Shrewsbury resident and former superintendent of schools, began the chapter in July 2013. During chapter meetings, the members have been reading Thomas Merton’s books, “New Seeds of Contemplation” and “The Sign of Jonas.” Early in 2015, Collins reached out to the ITMS membership for donations of books and media materials to create a Thomas Merton resource center for the inmates. The Edward Farley family made a large donation of over 30 boxes of books, media materials and Thomas Merton papers. There were also donations from many ITMS members from the United States, Canada and the Netherlands.
At the Oct. 21 ceremony, there was an unveiling of the center materials and a keynote address by ITMS President Michael W. Higgins to gathered inmates, members of the John Collins and Edward Farley families, members of the prison administration and prison security personnel. In attendance also was Brooke Anderson, a special guest of Michael Higgins. Anderson is a Vancouver painter and art therapist who has volunteered in the prison system of British Columbia since 2007. There was also a dedication of a new altar for the Our Lady of Guadalupe chapel and inside the altar were placed the names of the many volunteers who have served the inmates over the years.
The address by Michael Higgins was entitled “Random Musings on a Religious Genius –Outlier, Prophet and Contemplative.” Papers and remarks were made by five inmates, John Collins greeted and introduced guests, Deacon Arthur Rogers led the prayer services and Peggy Farley spoke about her father Edward Farley and his many years of dedication to ITMS. Nancy Collins, the associate director of the Merton Chapter, gave the final reflections. Members of John Collins’ family in attendance were John and Nancy Collins, Patrick Collins and Erin Hruskoci – all Shrewsbury residents.