Dear friends of Fr. Benedict,

Dear friends of Fr. Benedict,

From Trinity Retreat

Saturday, May 22, 2004

It’s an interesting thing to be a man who’s come back from the dead, or at least from the doors of death. From the moment of the accident until I came up to New York, I approached the doors of death three times. On my first return visit to Trinity Retreat everybody was expressing their condolences, and some of the ladies were crying because I was still limping and walking with a cane. I said, “Remember that I should be six feet underground right now from any human reckoning.”
If someone dear to you dies, no matter how they die, remember they can only die if God calls them. God gives us our immortal soul. Whether death comes through a tragic accident or a crime — even if it’s against God’s will — God is calling them and is there to receive them. Christians need to be aware that we are witnesses to salvation to the rest of the world. I believe with St. Faustina that at the hour of death Christ calls to every single soul and those who listen to Him and receive His mercy are saved.

This is an obvious conclusion from the conversion of salvation of the good thief. It makes sense. Christ came to save us all. Billions of people didn’t even know anything about Him. Does His gracious act of self-sacrifice remain ineffective for them? Or is it quite possible that He calls them in the hour of death?

Let us continue to pray for each other!

Father Benedict
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Dear Father Benedict,
How good to hear that you are back "home", at Trinity Retreat. May your daily waking and evening rest continue to bring their healing and restorative powers to your mind, body, soul and heart. All things in God's Time. Thank you. Let us continue to pray for each other. May God continue to Bless you with His Best Blessings. In Christ, - Mari-Ellen, Mclean, Virginia

Fr. Benedict. . .Maybe God just wanted you to sit for a long while and really talk to him! Welcome home to you. Love, - Marie, Wilton, Maine

Dear Father Groeschel, My heart hurt so much for you when I heard of your accident. You see, I had just gotten out of the hospital myself where I was for 22 days, 12 of them in the ICU, 8 of them on a respirator. I almost died, but I did not. When I "awoke" from the respirator drugs, I spent much time watching EWTN. Sleep doesn't happen easily in the ICU. I received much comfort from knowing that my suffering was doing something great--a concept I learned from your talks on EWTN. God spared me and he spared you--the recovery is long and hard, but for some reason, we are to continue on this earth. Your teachings have affected my life greatly; I hope that my prayers for you help you in your recovery. May God bless you mightily. Yours in Christ, - Karen, Killeen, Texas

Dear Father Benedict: Welcome home!! I'm glad you're surrounded by the life-giving forces of community and communion with our Lord. This also means you're surrounded by family who have no problem pulling your ear if you overdo it, for which we are all grateful. We're praying for you! - Lisa, Hilo, Hawaii

Dear Fr. Benedict: I'm glad you finally got to come home! I had faith from the beginning that you would get well, although it will take time. I listen to your tapes in the car and every time I play them over again I hear something I didn't pick up on the last time I listened. The truths you preach are gradually sinking in. Thanks sincerely, - Connie, Napa, California

Dear Father Groeschel, I can't get through a day without reading the message you have given us for that day. I thank you so much - for the messages you have given in the past on Faith and Hope and Trust; and for the daily messages now. They help so much. I am including you in each Mass and in the Rosaries, praying for your healing. I think of you and what you have said often during the days. Feel better soon. Love and Prayers, - Kathleen, Richmond, Vermont

Dear Fr. Benedict, This is Deacon Jason , I am 25 years old. I have tried several times to get a message through to you, but I'm not sure if it got through. I will be ordained a priest tomorrow! My bishop is Sean O'Malley, OFM Cap. whom I believe you know. I was on retreat before my deaconate ordination in January when I heard about your accident. Since then, I've kept up to date with the CFR website. As a result, I also ordered 6 of your books, one video and one CD of yours. Your words are an inspiration to me. I have even decided to let my beard grow longer in honor of you (or as my Archbishop says, "it's manly, natural, and austere, in imitation of Jesus Christ, Saint Francis and the Holy Fathers of the Order."). Please keep me in your prayers, you are in my prayers too. Sincerely, - Deacon Jason Boston, Mass.

Hi Father Benedict, I hope you get well soon we here at the John Paul II Bible School are all keeping you in our Prayers. let us continue to pray for each other. - Nathan, Canmore, Alabama

Dear Fr. Benedict, I was happy to see your video report on EWTN last night. Your message today was an inspiration. As a member of the Legion of Mary I visit nursing home residents and your advise on visiting the sick is very helpful. God Bless You. - Dolores, Webster, New York

May grace and peace be with you Father Benedict. The last time I wrote to you I told you I was making a Cursillo weekend. Just wanted to tell you that God opened my eyes and touched my heart, and I will never be the same again. I thought my conversion to our wonderful faith had done a pretty good job of that 12 years ago, but my heart needed more opening, more awareness of the glory of Christ. Now I make time for morning prayers so that my day is dedicated fully to our Lord and to his will for me. And my nighttime meditation is always a visit to this website to listen to your most recent, uplifting video and to read your daily message. May God bless you and keep you and continue your healing. It can only get better for you because you have so many prayers being offered for you each and every day!! Thank you so much for sharing your words with us on this website; we appreciate and love you so much!!!- Nancy, Lewisville, North Carolina

Today I would like to pray with you for the priests to be ordained on Saturday morning, May God Bless them and may the peace of Christ be in their voices,and souls.I pray they stay strong and continue to have priests like you for guidance. Amen - Patrick, Riverside, Conn.

Dear Father, I check up on you every day! It really lifts my spirits to see you improving every day and taking the time to teach as you heal. You're in my prayers every day, especially my morning offering. Our prayers are working, you're getting stronger every day! Praise God! Love, - Mary, Bayside, New York

Send your greetings to Fr. Benedict

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