Dear friends of Fr. Benedict,

From the Hospital:

Message for Thursday, May 13, 2004

It’s amazing that when you are in the hospital and rather badly hurt, you think that the rest of the world has it easy. The odd thing is that I speak to people who are not in the hospital, who have not had serious injuries, and they often have what appears to be worse problems. They would trade places with you in a minute, or at least they think so. This means, in fact, that we all have crosses to carry and that at certain times one cross can be heavier than others. We all sometimes feel sorry for ourselves, but when we hear of other people’s troubles, we should share our compassion with them. One of the things about being quite sick and wounded is that you begin to recognize that the rest of the world is much in the same situation and those who are not will be eventually. This is why our ultimate hope and trust must be in God and in Christ, His crucified Son.

Let us continue to pray for each other!

Father Benedict

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Dear Father: We were at EWTN for the Rosary that they broadcast for your recovery. We hope that you will soon be able to be up and feeling much much better.-Phyllis, Olympia,Washington

Dear Father Groeschel: Forgive me for writing you again so soon. But your query about the influence that you have over your followers touhes my heart. i like millions of others, have followed in baby steps as you have taken us along the path to eternity. i like millions of others, listened intently as you and Dr. VonHildebrand helped us to understand the role that suffering could play in that journey. And now you are generously showing us how those lessons can be put into action. As i take a moment to pray for our shepard
i'm given the opportunity to realize the great gift that he is and the awesomeness of the journey that he is taking us on. With all best wishes and my prayers.-Caroline, Monroe, Conn.

Father, I'm glad your feeling better.My husband & I had a friend hit by a car & was killed.I prayed for your recovery,because it would be hard to see it happen again.My husband broke his knee in 1997 & that broght us from the Episcopol Church to the Catholic Church.(the Blessed Mother had helped with that one).My son & I look at your sight every night & we really love the new video(5-04). Its very touching.Godbless you father & all who help you!!!-Jill, Wethersfield, Conn.

Dear Fr. Groeschel: We are EWTN fans of yours, and we pray that the Lord continues to let you serve in your mission here on earth. We realize that we may be selfish in praying for this, but we believe that your time to go to Heaven has not yet come. We last witnessed in person some of the great work of your fellow priests and brothers here in Alexandria, VA last Dec. during their Advent visit to Blessed Sacrament parish. We are members of the Nocturnal Adoration Society and adherents to the First Friday tradition of Eucharistic Adoration. Of course, we participate in this wonderful visit with Christ in the Eucharist on other evenings and days also, but First Fridays are special to us. We are happy to join in the community of the Church Militant that pray for you and we ask for the intercession for you of those in the Church Triumphant, including our dear daughter Julia (8/8/84 - 6/9/99). God Bless you!-Mary and Jeff, Alexandria, Virginia

Dear Father Benedict and the entire 'crew', By now we the people of God with all of you ..the entire Franciscan renewal ..form an increasing number of the people of God who sing a beautiful hymn of praise and prayers lifted up to the throne of the Most Holy Trinity with all the angels and Saint and our blessed Mother. May this praise continue for ever, for His Kingdom to come. Amen, Aleluia.-Evelyn, MT.Laurel, New Jersey

Dear Father Benedict. Just a note to thank you for my re-conversion, I was away from the church for 27 years, and due to the prayers of my parents, the grace of the Holy Spirit and your books and lectures, I have been a daily communicant since 1995.
Unfortunately, My parents were killed by a drunk driver on 3/14/04, but the graces were abundant in thier deatrhs, thier favorite priest was nearby, as were most of thier children. My mother was of Italian descent and my Da was Irish. The Almighty saw, in His wisdom to have them buried on 3/18 nestled between St Pat's and St Joseph's day. They did not suffer and were gone immediately. I contribute these facts to thier long standing devotion to adoration of the Holy Eucharist and thier love for Our Lady. They were both great fans of yourself and I'm sure that you have two members of the Church triumphant praying ferevntly for you.
That's after my mom is finished rearringing the place. Anyway we all love you and are praying for your speedy recovery,
God Bless You Father,
Most Sincerely, Yours in Christ.- Bob JR, Blue Island, Illinois

Dear Fr. Benedict, I read your message each night as part of my evening prayers, drawing strength and inspiration from your words of true wisdom. My Aunt and Uncle had a terrible car accident just weeks before your accident occurred. My Aunt died on April 13, but my Uncle is still in ICU struggling to survive. He was injured in much the same way as you were, and it has given us much hope to see you progress so miraculously. I have prayed for you each night since your accident, along with those I pray for my Aunt and Uncle. Being so close to this kind of tragedy tells me that we don't have one minute to waste in this life. As Mother Teresa says, we must see Jesus and be Jesus to everyone we meet. I see Jesus in you and in my Aunt and Uncle. May God stay in your shadow.-Adele, Birmingham, Alabama

Dear Fr. Benedict, I thank our Good Lord for your progress - four months today. I continue to pray for you and I thank you for your fervent prayers and your daily messages. I just know "all shall be well". Not one day goes by that I do not read your messages that I share with others. The video clips are simply awesome. Thanks to the generous and capable team responsible for this site. How it has brought so many of us together is a miracle! and Father, all because you were struck down four months ago today. Let us celebrate life - your life that shines in a culture that refuses to appreciate the gift of life. I had the priviledge of meeting you at a Marian Gathering in Sydney, Nova Scotia several years ago. You are loved and a blessing to us all. Thank you for being there when we need you. -Sr. Cécile, Moncton NB. Canada

To our blessed Benedict....One tiny though for today....Blessed Padre Pio would call out to his brother friars "Get me my weapon!"...that weapon was his rosary..another thought on that spiritual gift is that.."When one holds the rosary, they hold the Hand of Our Lady...that is an act of Faith, Hope, and Love...all in one Rosary! continued prayers from.- Jacqueline, New York

Dear Father B, I have watched your talks often on EWTN and have found much comfort in your talks. I don't think you could ever realize how many lives you have touched. I will be praying for your recovery. I truly believe that God send people where He needs them to be and gives us each a mission in life. Thanks be to God for sending you to us. Sincerely,-Bonnie, Gouverneur, New York

Fr. I'am a Deacon to be ordained soon. How I wish I can ever get to you directly to ask for some materials that would help me become a better priest. I love you Fr I'am Praying for you.-Rev Mike, Ibadan, AR, NIGERIA

Send your greetings to Fr. Benedict

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