Surrender in Trust: A Collection of Prayers as Poems

This is a collection of spiritual poems written over the past year 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, Bloomington), 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 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.

All revenues derived from the sale of this book will be donated to the Benedictine Oblate Community of Saint Meinrad Archabbey.

Also from this author:

Deepening Faith Through Poetry (2008)

Thoughts for the Listening Heart (2011)

Growing Closer to God Through Poetry (2012)

Harden Not Your Hearts (2013)

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.