Dear friends of Fr. Benedict,

From the Hospital:

Message for Thursday, April 22, 2004

Today I start at a new facility. It is strictly for rehabilitation. There is an enthusiasm and joie de vivre about the whole place. They are constantly telling you how well you are doing. I do think that in order to be a physical therapist, you have to be an optimist because gains are made slowly, but they are made predictably and regularly if the patient keeps at it.

As I look at the rehab I have done so far, I am quite amazed at what I have achieved because overall I did not have a sense of accomplishment. Getting on in life is done with small steps, not with unique experiences of accomplishment. We go on day after day, gaining a few inches or a few moments in our struggles. In spiritual terms this is called taking up the cross and carrying it. When I think of the condition I was in three months ago and then of my present condition, I can have great hope that rehabilitation will accomplish much to return me to my work. Spiritual rehabilitation will help me on the road to eternity.

Let us continue to pray for each other!

Father Benedict

Fr. Benedict, I have been away for a week and just got to see your message from the hospital bed. Peter and I watched it together. I cried at how much you have to endure but Peter says, "yes, he has aged some, but he's a tough old bird". For sure you are. It is what is expected of us all, to be tough in our efforts to be Christians. What better role model in this than you. Bless you for showing us all the dignity there is in following our Lord.- Dara, Woodside, California

Dear Fr. Benedict, thank you for all your words of wisdom, I pray that your arm is miraculously healed on Divine Mercy Sunday....Love, peace and healing to you! ann marie-Ann Marie, Colts Neck, New Jersey

Dear Father Benedict, I just saw your message from 4/16, and when I saw your right arm, I couldn't help but think of the shoulder wound of Our Lord. When I think of how much hitting our "funny bone" hurts, I can't even imagine how much your elbow must ache! May Jesus touch your wounds with His healing grace.-Barbara, Farmington Hills, Mich.

Dear Fr Benedict, Thank you for your beautiful words of wisdom on the little Easter Message video from your hospital bed. I've been checking in on you almost every day from the beginning of your accident and really enjoy getting these messages from you - especially now these little videos. It is very touching to hear you speak about suffering and resurrection from your present position. We continue to pray for you in our rosary every night and I believe much good is coming from all your suffering and all the prayers. As a physiotherapist know what you are going through in your rehab program - keep trying to do a little bit regularly and take lots of rest in between!! Sending you all our love and continued prayers for patience and perseverence.-Maura & Brian McCaughey, IRELAND

Dear Father Benedict, It was good to receive your greeting to everyone, be assured that you are mentioned by name in my prayers.Thank you for your prayers.I know thar you do not have to be told how Great God is and in what He does. Just seeing you in the video was a miricle, as is your recovery.May God continue to Bless and Heal YOu . . -Virginia, Ocean Springs, Mass.

Dear Father Benedict, Thank you for showing us your broken Arm and the need for continued prayer for its healing. It is very moving, and I will continue to humbly beg our Lord for this miracle. Please ask your friars kindly to also beg for my sons, aged 21 and 24, who have abandoned the practice of their Faith over the years they were at University; we feel broken hearted but I know that God does hear our prayers even though healing seems so unlikely. Through your messages, I am slowly learning to trust God and to look through the circumstances of each day to find to find His providence. Thank you for continuing to guide us all even when you must be weary and in pain. It is a tremendous blessing poured out around the world. Alleluia!- Veronica, Wattle Park, South Australia

Hope you get better Father Benedict. Greetings from China!-Matthew, Tianjin, Tianjin

Dear Father Groeschel, Peace be with You. Right from the day after your accident I have been reading and praying for your recovery. My husband is sort of a luke warm Catholic but when you are on EWTN my husbands ears always perked up and he listens to what you have to say and the way you say it. I update him constantly on your condition. Each day you bring us closer to God with your letters and your video streams. Hearing about you and reading the many e-mails from people that are so concerned gives me so much hope. At times it feels as if this world is lost. Not so. You, the Friars and the people that come to your web site all know that God is still in control. God Bless you with a speedy recover.-Susanne, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada

You seem to have a strong faith. I sincerely hope that there is a God, but have doubts. I don't pray much but will pray for you. I hope you get totally well soon thank you,-Jerry, Richmond, Virginia

Father Benedict, I know your right arm is in a tough way; Can you give us your blessing with your left hand instead from your hospital bed?-David, CROWLEY, Texas

Przesylam wiele ³ask bozych w posludze zakonnej,iproszê o modlitwê.-Sylwia, Poznañ, AL

Dear Fr. Benedict, you are God's right arm being used for us right here and now. God bless you and heal you. God has a reason. Love and prayers, Cathy, Staten Island, New York

Send your greetings to Fr. Benedict

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