Dear friends of Fr. Benedict,

Today is Thursday, January 22. Here is the latest update on Fr. Benedict.

I'm not sure if there is a word which describes an emotional phenomenon in which a person both laughs and cries at the same time. Well, it happened to me yesterday around two o'clock when I heard Br. Sharbel screaming and laughing into the phone, "Fr. Glenn, he opened his eyes! Alleluia! He did, alleluia! He opened his eyes!" That's when that "whatever you call it" hit me. When and where did it hit you?

So, here's the latest.

Through the efforts and expertise of topnotch medical personnel, and through the effusion of Divine grace poured out from His most merciful heart, our friend is showing wonderful signs of the first steps of recovery! Although Father is a bit dazed and somewhat confused, we can honestly say that he is slowly emerging out of his medicinal fog. Yesterday the doctors decided to give Father Benedict a tracheotomy since his gag reflex was keeping him from taking those deep breaths we all know he needed. We also learned that Father Benedict had a dislocated shoulder; this was readjusted the same day. Also, a feeding tube, which was causing some ulceration on the lip, was removed; now nutrition is being directly sent to the stomach. This, of course, frees Father from a certain evident degree of discomfort. The nurses gave Fr. John permission to moisten his raw lips with balm and to apply some cool water to his parched mouth with a moist cotton swab. What a privilege to bring relief to those lips, which have brought comfort and courage to so many!

Although Father Benedict is far from sitting upright and smiling in bed, he is displaying genuine and generally consistent responses - slowly and subtly. His both eyes are open, and although he is unable to turn his head, his eyes, glazed and curious like a newborn baby, turn here and there. The friars tell me his "personality is slowly emerging" and while he cannot be heard, he is forming words. In fact, he appeared to be saying the word "pen" - my God, here comes another book! O Mother of God, how can we thank you?

Holy Mass was offered in his room in the ICU for the rights of the innocent unborn. Of course, Father couldn't receive Holy Communion, but the friars said he was well aware of the Mass. Of course, he is still quite groggy and easily falls in and out of a sleep.

Fr. Conrad left Florida to return home leaving Br. Sharbel who will stay back and be the "friar on site". Br. Sharbel is from the Middle East and came to the United States living in both California and Hawaii. So, when he called me in New York and suggested that one friar stay put to assist the many friars who will be coming and going, I thought to myself, "that rascal, he knows it's freezing in New York"! So, knowing his natural attraction for the sun and acquired propensity for cool sky blue water, I replied, "Br. Sharbel, I give you permission to stay, but, as long as Fr. Benedict is in bed - read my lips - NO POOL!" Our laughter was like sunshine after so many dark, dark days.

Fr. Sylvester and Br. Peter arrived today around 2:30 pm and went immediately to the hospital. Since they arrived around 3 pm, the hour of Divine Mercy, Father Sylvester knelt at the foot of Father's bed and led the chaplet. He told me that he saw Father Benedict with his arms somewhat outstretched, his wounded forehead, pins sticking out of his wrist, and bandaged foot. He said he saw himself at the foot of the cross.

Some of you who have survived serious illness or injury are well aware that Father has just begun to take his first steps down a long painful path. We are now not asking for survival, but full health. This means even more prayers. Our E-mail's show that hearts and hands are reaching out from China, Russia, Slovakia, England and Australia, not to mention every state in this country! I will soon begin to share with you some of the wonderful messages we have received. May every message warm his heart and teach us the power of faith, prayer, and love - human and Divine. May God be praised!

Fr. Glenn Sudano, C.F.R.
Community Servant (superior)
Franciscan Friars of the Renewal