Dear friends of Fr. Benedict,

From the Hospital:

Message for Monday, April 26, 2004

Having visitors is part of being in the hospital or rehab center. Many people want to come to express their good wishes, to let you know that they are really concerned and that you have their prayers. This is a very good thing. Unfortunately, sometimes when we know so many people, visitors have to be curtailed; otherwise, we would never get any peace or time to rest.

Some people know instinctively how to visit a sick person. They are quiet, gentle, and do not stay long. Others mistake the situation badly. They enter a patient's room talking garrulously, in a rather back-slapping way, and offer cheery observations, which may not fit the time and place at all. They mean well, of course, but they should sit down and meditate on how to visit a sick person.

I suppose I see this more and more now that I have been laid up for several months. People make the assumption that I am all better and just waiting for my broken bones to heal. Actually, anyone who has been through what I have, is quite sick for several months and is really coming back from the dead. Visitors, therefore, have to be very careful, quiet, and subtle, and not engage in a discussion of church business, politics, or anything else. The sick person has the right to lead the discussion and to define its outer boundaries.

Visiting is an important part of the Christian life. We have the mystery of the Visitation in the Gospel. Just look at the words of the Visitation; they will give people an idea of how they might visit when they are seeking to do the will of God.

Let us continue to pray for each other!

Father Benedict

You'r great! We need you, so we keep you in prayer for a wonderful recovery. God Bless with continued prayers.- Alice, Riverhead, New York

Father Groeschel, I am keeping you in my prayers.As a nurse, I can appreciate what you are going through physically as you recuperate. It takes a lot of stamina and determination as well as God's grace. Keep smiling. God Bless.-Catherine, Hayesville, North Carolina

Dear Father Groeschel, I have followed your progress for some time, but after reading your most recent update, I feel compelled to write. For a total of 25 years, I have been privileged to work with the sick and elderly in a nursing home as a registered nurse. I can honestly say that my Catholic Faith has helped me both personally and professionally, and I thank God for the opportunity to serve others during this sacred time in their lives. As you have said,"they are preparing to leave, to get on the boat". My greatest hope is to give them some sense of peace and comfort on their journey. Father, I continue to pray for your complete recovery, that you may continue to inspire others. Sincerely,-Debra, Port Chester, New York

Dearest Father Benedict, May the water and the blood which gushed forth from the wounded heart of Jesus as a fount of mercy for us, refresh and strengthen you and bring you complete recovery. May the Oean of Mercy engulf you in its unfantomable depths and heal you. Saint Faustina, Apostle of Divine Mercy, pray for us.-Sonia, Toronto, Ontario, CANADA

Dear Fr. Groeschel, Your continuing recovery makes me happy every time I think of you. Surely by now you must have some idea of how much love people have for you and how much they value your teaching and writing. You voice(and that of my pastor) remains my closest link to reality in this most confusing and confused world that I love so much and grieve over so often. Your voice keeps reminding me of the vaule and truth of love and courage and hope and faith, and there's no way I could thank you enough for this. Get well, get strong, and get back to us who need you. You are in our prayers,-Rebecca, Staunton, Virginia

Not to worry, dear Father. I, and I know many others, will pray fervently for your right arm to be healed. You are very loved. Be at peace. God love you,-Linda, Woodhaven, New York

HOW CAN I COME CLOSER TO CHRIST?-ONUCHUKWU, NIGERIA

Dear Father Groeschel, I just got the nicest thank you note from Brother Daniel Marie about the little tote bag I sent to you. I am glad you will get some use from it – hopefully not for too long. I was so thrilled to see you speak in your messages on the website. My first thought was –“Thank God --Father’s going to be OK.” My second thought was, based on your good pink color, it looks like your hematocrit is at least 30%. I will continue to pray so you keep manufacturing new red blood cells and keep making good progress with mobility. I watched some of your excellent Good Friday show on EWTN yesterday, but will order the video so I can see more. God Bless You Father & Happy Easter. Mary Ellen from Bangor,-Maine, Bangor, ME

Dear Fr. Benedict. You are a miracle unto itself. Just keep up the good work. THE WORLD NEEDS YOU!!!-Richard, seaford, New York

Dear Fr. Glenn: Please suggest to Fr. Benedict that he dictate some answers to the emails he has gotten on the website. That will keep him occupied while he is fighting the infection at the present time. He can address certain topics that writers have written to him about. He may just become the real person called "dear Abby"...now spelled dear Abbey.....(smile) Father's messages are always wonderful, no matter what the theme. The words are the word of God..and we are so grateful. We continue to pray!Jacqueline in N.Y. PS: The video is most encouraging, as are ALL of father's videos. I don't think the man has any inferior works any place on this earth! (smile)-Jacqueline, Batavia, New York

Send your greetings to Fr. Benedict

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