49th WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS

Sunday, April 29, 2012, is the 49th World Day of Prayer for Vocations. Every year the Pope asks the whole Church to pray for, think about and discuss the topic of vocations. He also delivers a message on the issue of vocations. Find the full text of this year's message here.

"I am inviting you to say yes to your vocation!"

This year Pope Benedict is focusing on the mystery of Love. God is love. It is only love that motivated God to create. In love He seeks us out. He invites us to respond in love. This loving response is our vocation.

Other than referring to some helpful passages from the Bible, the Pope also includes some great quotes from Saint Augustine, Blessed John Paul II, Saint John of the Cross, Pope Saint Gregory the Great and Saint John Vianney. Among other things, he recommends a strong devotion to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and the Poor. We felt such a confirmation when we read that because these are two anchors for our way of life as Franciscan Friars of the Renewal!

As we train our spiritual eyes to see Jesus in the Eucharist,
we will start to see Him in the poor as well.

Please know that we are praying for all of you who are reading this. Please feel free to contact us to discuss your discernment and maybe even make a visit to us in The Big Apple. We do not run specific "come and see" weekends, rather we take visitors as they are able to come! Because we do not have internet in the friary, we usually do not do ministry over the internet. Give us a call @ 212.281.4355 ...

God bless you,
The Friars


St. Joseph Friary
523 W. 142nd St.
New York, NY 10031


212.281.4355

New Website!

May the Lord give you His peace!

Sorry for the delay in contacting all of you out there. We have been really busy working on the new franciscanfriars.com. Let us know what you think. Meanwhile ...

On Palm Sunday, Pope Benedict gave a great message to the youth on Joy.

He wrote, "Speaking of generosity, I would like to mention one particular joy. It is the joy we feel when we respond to the vocation to give our whole life to the Lord. Dear young people, do not be afraid if Christ is calling you to the religious, monastic or missionary life or to the priesthood. Be assured that he fills with joy all those who respond to his invitation to leave everything to be with him and to devote themselves with undivided heart to the service of others. In the same way, God gives great joy to men and women who give themselves totally to one another in marriage in order to build a family and to be signs of Christ’s love for the Church."

Know that you are in our prayers and feel free to call us to make a visit!
212.281.4355