Special prayer request

In the early days of the order, Saint Francis and the friars would gather for a special meeting (chapter) around the feast of Pentecost. This was a time to pray together as brothers, invoking the help of the Holy Spirit as they discussed various questions concerning the direction of the order. This became a tradition which continues to our day.


In our little community we have our General Chapter every three years. All of the friars in final vows gather to pray and discuss various items. We also elect the leadership for the next three years. This year our General Chapter will be held for one week beginning on June 12, the feast of Pentecost. Please pray for a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit as we gather together.

Giotto fresco of the Pentecost chapter meeting of 1232 in Arles.
Saint Anthony of Padua (l) had an apparition of the recently deceased Saint Francis (r).

God bless you,
Fr. Luke Mary Fletcher, CFR
St. Joseph Friary, New York, New York

New Priests!

First things first, for those interested in joining this September, the two week visit will be from
June 30th to July 13th. Please contact the vocation office at 212-281-4355 if you are interested. We are praying for all of you out there. Have courage!

One of the Capuchin Saints used to begin every one of his sermons with the proclamation, “How beautiful it is to love God!” I am filled with great joy as I see this exclamation manifested in my life as a friar. On Saturday May 14th five of our friars, two of whom I live with, were ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop Timothy Dolan of New York. For the friars getting ordained this is the beginning of a new journey, as many of them will get missioned to one of our friaries around the world. Fr. Columba and Fr. Sebastian, the brothers that I live with, will be sent to our friaries in Ireland and London.

It has been a great joy over the past few years to serve with these brothers as we have been involved in an apostolate for young adults in the city under the patronage of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati (check out the website atfrassatiny.com). Fr. Sebastian had been leading a weekly Bible study and
Fr. Columba had been leading worship at many of the prayer meeting and retreats attend by the young adults. In the last few weeks as they both have been saying their good byes and transitioning into the next chapter of their ministry, the men and women of Frassati Fellowship arranged a going away celebration for our brothers and one by one they shared the impact and presence of Fr. Columba and Fr. Sebastian have had in their life. Many of them have had significant conversions and came to know in a new way or for the first time the person of Jesus Christ and the gift of His Church.

Witnessing the testimonies of these young adults made me realize that the Lord works well beyond my understanding and awareness in the lives of so many who are right in our midst. Their testimonies also encouraged me in my vocation and taught me that discernment is multifaceted. God works in us and prepares us without our knowing. As we set aside time in our life of prayer and look back in time we see our journey and our encounters in this journey are but preparation to fulfill His holy will. In realizing this I have come to certainty that this life is so worth living and sacrificing for. Please pray for Fr. Columba, Fr. Sebastian and myself as we strive to be faithful and generous in what the Lord is asking of us. Take a moment today and look around to be inspired by those who truly love God, and with great gratitude thank the Lord for His many blessings.

Check it out ...
+ Blessed Pope John Paul II USCCB Site
+ 21% of new priests have participated in World Youth Day
+ Pope's message for World Day of Prayer for Vocations (May 15, 2011)

Nine new priests ordained on May 14, 2011
read more here: 

Father Columba Maria Jordan, C.F.R.

Father Sebastian Maria Kajko, C.F.R.

Father Jeremiah Myriam Shryock, C.F.R.

Father Giuseppe Maria Siniscalchi, C.F.R.

Father Daniel Williamson, C.F.R.

Great ordination Mass homily by Archbishop Timothy Dolan found here

May the Lord bless you,

Fr. Gabriel Mary Bakkar, CFR
Saint Joseph Friary
523 W. 142nd St.
New York, NY 10031 


For Vocation Inquiries
(212)281-4355

We need saints!

May the Lord give you His peace!
In Hebrews 13:7-8 we read, "Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Take a moment to prayerfully reflect on all the people God has used to model and speak His word to you. Those who help us along our journey of faith are real spiritual heroes. NYPRIEST.COM sponsors vocations advertisements which proclaim the message, "The World Needs Heroes."
Venerable Pope John Paul II is a great hero who continues to inspire many to say yes to Jesus! He will be Beatified on May 1, 2011 (info found here). We need examples who inspire us to follow Jesus. That is why Christians have always held up the saints. Saint John Vianney would read lives of the saints every day. Not only are they inspiring, they also pray for us from heaven. There are many holy people who may never be officially canonized, who never-the-less, help us along our way. Who has helped you in your faith walk, your discernment? Parents, pastors and friends have an important influence on us. May we be inspired to answer God's call in our life.
Check it out ... + VocationBoom.com - great resource!! + Top Ten Vocations Websites + Truth and Life Audio Bible - really well done + Pope's Homily, Feb. 2, 2011, World Day of Consecrated Life + OneBillionStories.com - interesting Catholic site + LiveAction.org - great pro life group                _______________________________________________________________________
May the Lord bless you, The Friars Saint Joseph Friary 523 W. 142nd St. New York, NY 10031  For Vocation Inquiries (212)281-4355                 eLetter Archive

January 2011 Pro-Life CFR Vocations eLetter

May the Lord give you His peace!


Recently while spending sometime with a youth group in the area, at a break in the conversation that we were having about facebook, cell phones, and the like, I asked an open ended question which provided a moving answer. “In a word, how would you describe young people today?” Busy, distracted, and bored, were among the highlights and when I thought they were done giving me their thoughts, a quiet young man mumbled, “in a word - ALONE.” Perhaps an answer worth reflecting on.


The pro-life apostolate is significant in the life of our community. Our outreach takes on many forms, but the main focus is prayer and counseling at abortion mills in the cities in which we reside. Living in Newark, NJ, I pray and counsel with three other friars on Saturday mornings in a small town close to our friary. The foundation of our apostolate is prayer as we stand across the street from the women’s choices clinic and pray for women and their babies, and also those who accompany them in their decision. In addition, brothers get the opportunity to counsel women as they are approaching the clinic, hoping to provide a presence of hope and a word of encouragement or challenge before they enter. A few weeks ago, there was a young couple who pulled into the parking lot, and as the young women got out of the car, she noticed that her boyfriend was not willing to go inside with her. As she stood standing all alone, tears falling down her face, my heart was moved with compassion for her. As she was pulling herself together our eyes met and a prayer lifted from my heart and in my gaze back to her I longed to tell her that she was not alone, there were people that cared for her and her child and that God loved her so much and would provide all that she needed to say yes to the life of her child. So many women who find themselves in this similar situation feel hopeless and alone, and they feel like there is not other option than getting an abortion. It seems like the easiest, quickest, and simplest option to take care of their difficult situation... They are afraid, confused, and alone. There is unlikely any support from their spouse or friends, and no life giving encouragement from the doctors or nurses inside. The mask they wear is one that seems harsh, tough, and even portrays confidence in their purpose for being there, but deep down we see and experience someone who is hopeless and alone.


This coming weekend is the anniversary of Roe v. Wade and also the annual March For Life in Washington D.C. What an incredible event for people of all ages to gather together to pray and to witness to the dignity of every human person. To proclaim to our nation and those who are challenged with this decision before them, that they are not alone, there are people who care, and a merciful God who wants to abundantly bless them and provide for them. To participate in the pro life apostolate has been a tremendous challenge but a true blessing. God is calling us and all of you to be truly present to those who think they are alone, to bear witness to the mercy, hope and love of Jesus. To those who suffer from abortion and are struggling with the decision to choose life, you are not alone! This message of hope is definitely worth marching for, and most importantly worth living for.


    Check it out ...+ Pro-Life Rally with the Friars!
Sunday, January 22, 2011, St. Bernadette Church, Silversprings, MD, 6:30-10:30 pm
+ MarchForLife.org
+ onemoresoul.com - great resource
+ Must read article (and video) about abortionist in Philadelphia
+ TruthBooth.org - very good


Website of Norma McCorvey, the former Jane Roe of Roe v. Wade found here


May the Lord bless you,
Br. Angelus Immaculata, CFR 
Saint Joseph Friary
523 W. 142nd St.
New York, NY 10031


For Vocation Inquiries
(212)281-4355

January 2011 CFR Vocations eLetter

May the Lord give you His peace!

There is power in the Word of God. Pope Benedict recently released a great document on this important topic (Verbum Domini found here). Among others, the Pope wrote about Saint Francis and Saint Antony of the Desert as examples of people who were greatly blessed by the power of God's Word. These great saints were guided in their discernment by a grace-filled encounter with the Lord through the prayerful reading of Sacred Scripture.

"The most profound interpretation of Scripture comes precisely from those who let themselves be shaped by the word of God through listening, reading and assiduous meditation. It is certainly not by chance that the great currents of spirituality in the Church’s history originated with an explicit reference to Scripture. I am thinking for example of Saint Anthony the Abbot, who was moved by hearing Christ’s words: “if you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me” (Mt 19:21). [...] Saint Francis of Assisi – we learn from Thomas of Celano – 'upon hearing that the disciples of Christ must possess neither gold, nor silver nor money, nor carry a bag, nor bread, nor a staff for the journey, nor sandals nor two tunics … exulting in the Holy Spirit, immediately cried out: 'This is what I want, this is what I ask for, this I long to do with all my heart!’".


Along with Pope Benedict, we enthusiastically recommend the practice of Lectio Divina (sacred reading). This could be done at home or during Eucharistic Adoration. Like so many saints in the past, allow the Lord to speak to your heart as you pray with His inspired word.


    Check it out ...+ American Bible Society Lectio Divina Page
+ Lectio Divina Manuel - very good 
+ Beauty of God's Word - magazine article
+ theporneffect.com - good resource
+ October 2010 Letter to Seminarians from Pope Benedict
+ 24 minute documentary on the CFRs, "Bagage"
+ Garden in Limerick Ireland video


Great Papal Quote: "Those aspiring to the ministerial priesthood are called to a profound personal relationship with God’s word, particularly in lectio divina, so that this relationship will in turn nurture their vocation: it is in the light and strength of God’s word that one’s specific vocation can be discerned and appreciated, loved and followed, and one’s proper mission carried out, by nourishing the heart with thoughts of God, so that faith, as our response to the word, may become a new criterion for judging and evaluating persons and things, events and issues"
(Pope Benedict, Verbum Domini, #82).


May the Lord bless you,
The Friars Saint Joseph Friary
523 W. 142nd St.
New York, NY 10031


For Vocation Inquiries
(212)281-4355

December 2010 CFR Vocations eLetter

December is a beautiful month. Let us pray for each other as we dive deep into the holy season of Advent while preparing for Christmas. The Nativity of Our Lord was the favorite feast day of Saint Francis. He is known for having invented and popularized the tradition of setting up a living Christmas creche in Greccio, Italy.

Patience is a much needed virtue for those who are trying to discern their vocation, God's will for their life. Advent is the season of waiting. During this awesome season, we recall the ancient expectation of God's people as they awaited the advent (coming) of the Messiah. By the time Jesus had arrived, they had been waiting for some 4,000 years - that takes patience! We now await his second coming in glory at the end of time to judge the living and the dead. Some 2,000 years ago He said that He was "coming soon" (Revelation 22:7)! God's time is not our time, indeed, for Him "a day is like a thousand years gone by, like a watch in the night" (Psalm 90:4).

When we are discerning, sometimes we fall into the temptation of impatience. We need to be patient with God, with others and with ourselves. Timing is everything. Trust in Him and let Him lead you on the path of life. Frustration comes when we lack trust. It is part of His mercy that we do not know the future. Sometimes He only gives us enough light to see the next step and no more (like a flash light). Pray for the grace to be led in your spiritual life and for an increase of patience!

+ From the Catechism of the Catholic Church: "When the Church celebrates the liturgy of Advent each year, she makes present this ancient expectancy of the Messiah, for by sharing in the long preparation for the Savior's first coming, the faithful renew their ardent desire for his second coming. By celebrating the precursor's birth and martyrdom, the Church unites herself to his desire: "He must increase, but I must decrease (#524)."


  Check it out ...
+ New free eBook by Pope Benedict
    On Advent & Christmas 
+ The Human Experience now available on DVD (amazing film by Grassroots Films)
+ DVD The Star of Bethlehem (very interesting)
+ Advent & Christmas with the Church Fathers (book)
+ Video on Religious Sisters (ForYourVocation on Youtube.com)
+ Fr. Michael Scanlan, TOR, guest on EWTN Sunday Night Live
with Fr. Benedict Groeschel, CFR  (a must see found here on Youtube.com)
+ CatholicsComeHome.org (great videos and information)


May the Lord bless you,
The Friars Saint Joseph Friary
523 W. 142nd St.
New York, NY 10031


For Vocation Inquiries
(212)281-4355

November 2010 CFR Vocations eLetter

November is the month when the road of life leads us through the colorful change of leaves and apparent dying of creation. It is a month which sees nature in an ostensible quiet, contemplation, silence and stillness. It is also a month when we remember to pray for the holy souls in purgatory and make visits to the graves of dear ones who have made the journey to eternal shores. Below is a powerful quote from Pope Benedict on the importance of silence and listening in prayer. The Holy Father reminds us of a key ingredient for discerning our vocation.

"At times, however, we are tempted to close in on ourselves, to doubt the strength of Christ’s radiance, to limit the horizon of hope. Take courage! Fix your gaze on our saints. The diversity of their experience of God’s presence prompts us to discover anew the breadth and depth of Christianity [...] Dear friends, the example of the saints invites us, then, to consider four essential aspects of the treasure of our faith: personal prayer and silence, liturgical prayer, charity in action, and vocations [...] There is another aspect of prayer which we need to remember: silent contemplation. Saint John, for example, tells us that to embrace God’s revelation we must first listen, then respond by proclaiming what we have heard and seen (cf. 1 Jn 1:2-3; Dei Verbum, 1). Have we perhaps lost something of the art of listening? Do you leave space to hear God’s whisper, calling you forth into goodness? Friends, do not be afraid of silence or stillness, listen to God, adore him in the Eucharist. Let his word shape your journey as an unfolding of holiness" (Pope B16, 19 April 2008, Yonkers, New York).
________________________________________________________

   Check it out ...

+ The Human Experience now available on DVD (amazing film by Grassroots Films)
+ DVD The Star of Bethlehem (very interesting)
+ Travelers Along the Way (new book by Fr. Benedict Groeschel, CFR)
+ I am With You Always (another new book by Fr. Benedict Groeschel, CFR)
+ Fatima for Today (new book by Fr. Andrew Apostoli, CFR)
________________________________________________________
May the Lord bless you,
The Friars Saint Joseph Friary
523 W. 142nd St.
New York, NY 10031


For Vocation Inquiries
(212)281-4355