A Collection of prayers: III.

The leaves, once so strong and independent, have changed colors as they prepare for their end.

And here am I, watching the restlessness of my youth fade away.  Only You my God know when my end will be.  Like these autumn leaves all I can do is surrender to Your providence.  It is a simple act of faith in Your love.


God bless you,

Fr. Jeremiah Myriam Shryock, CFR
St. Felix Friary, Yonkers, New York 

Collection of Prayers: II.

You have enabled me to write about “our experience,” an experience often disguised as ordinary, yet varying in colors and seasons.  We have touched persons scattered throughout this world proclaiming Your Kingdom and a destiny of spontaneous joy.

I feel like we have only begun.  Dawn appears on the horizon and the hours of light are before us.  It is time to run, to sing, to love.  But where do I begin?  You are quiet these days which makes me wonder if this whole thing is a dream.  My God, please save me from another illusion!

For so long I have only lived and thought about myself.  Is the same true with my writing?  I am tired of all these false gods, and of all the incense that is burned before them.

I will write only for You, because without You, even the stars fall asleep and nighttime is devoid of romance.


Fr. Jeremiah Myriam Shryock, CFR
St. Felix Friary, Yonkers, New York

A Collection of prayers: I

I believe You are near to me, and that to find You, I can remain here, alone.  Yet still, I am not content with this stillness.  My soul cries out for more and longs for that which I cannot understand.

What can I do?  Where can I go?  I am helpless.  I can only wait on You and be patient.  My God, I am in need of You.  Jesus come, come more deeply, overwhelm me.  Drown me in Your love.


God bless you,

Fr. Jeremiah Myriam Shryock, CFR
St. Felix Friary, Yonkers, New York

The Rosary

There is an one-legged old man in our neighborhood. He walks slowly with the help of a walker. When we see each other we laugh and say, "One step at a time!" He is a tremendous example of patience and joy.

It can be hard to pray in our busy modern world. I think that the rosary is a remedy for our dilemma. Each Hail Mary is like a step towards heaven, calling to mind the Divine Mysteries of Jesus' life. Slow down, pray and take one step at time.


God bless you,

Fr. Luke Mary Fletcher, CFR
Saint Joseph Friary, Harlem, NY