Growing Closer to God Through Poetry: A Collection of Prayers as Poems

This is a collection of spiritual poems written over the past two years by Thomas J. Rillo. As a retired university professor, he continues to find time to serve God as a Lector, and Eucharistic minister and to praise Him. Tom's poetry has appeared in The Criterion (the Archdiocese of Indianapolis newspaper), in some of his church's weekly bulletins (St. Charles Borromeo, Bloomigton), and in a variety of other venues.

Tom's poetry is a continuing illustrated portrait of his ongoing conversion into a deeper faith life that was originally fueled by Cursillo participation, becoming a Benedictine oblate of Saint Meinrad Archabbey, and developing a fuller faith life. These poems, like his previous published poems, were inspired by the Holy Spirit guiding him to situations, places, and people where a gentle soul-felt "nudge" began a poem's creation. The poems are simple and at the same time represent various styles of poetry format.

This is definitely a good book for delving into the spiritual situation and lives represented in the six divisions of the book. It is a sampler that reminds readers of their own joys, fears, doubts and relationships. It demonstrates that one's prayers and spirituality may take many forms and may be manifested in a diverse collection of situations and individuals. The poems can be read and studied as devotional reading and perhaps inspire and encourage others to expand their love and appreciation of our God.

This is volume three of Tom's series of poetry books. The others are:

Deepening Faith Through Poetry: A Collection Of Prayers As Poems Promoting A Search For God And For The Good In Others And Oneself (2008)

Thoughts for the Listening Heart: A Collection of Prayers as Poems (2011)

Harden Not Your Hearts: A Collection of Prayers as Poems (2013)

About the Artist

Brother Martin is a Benedictine monk of Saint Meinrad Archabbey in St. Meinrad, Indiana. He is recognized throughout the monastic world as a talented liturgical artist. He works in a variety of mediums such as: ceramics, pottery, furniture, figurative art, and his special work with stained glass windows. His art reflects the beauty of the symbol, the richness of color, and his knowledge of theology. His liturgical art speaks to the soul.

The author began writing poetry many years ago as a result of visual experiences while teaching in the mountain wilderness of Wyoming. Interacting with the natural beauty of God’s creation, inspiration came quite easily. While earlier poems reflect his interest in the natural world.He was inspired to publish this collection of poems as part of his continual appreciation for the work of God in human life experiences.