"Merton's Heart" is an open
hillside space which is visible from the Saint Bonaventure campus. Merton
was known for his walks through the hills of the surrounding area and this site
took its name from its association with those walks.
The hillside was originally cleared in
the 1920's for oil drilling, but had been abandoned for that purpose by the time
Merton arrived at St. Bonaventure. There's no evidence that the site was
one especially favored by Merton, who would often cross the railroad bridge over the Allegheny River to walk up to Martini Rocks and a hilltop cottage owned by his friend
Robert Lax's brother-in-law. Nonetheless, the site remains a visible
reminder of Merton's presence on campus and a continuing place of contemplation
and prayer for the St. Bonaventure community.