From
Trinity Retreat Dear friends of Fr. Benedict,
From
Trinity Retreat
Saturday, June 5, 2004
When you visit the sick either at home or in the hospital, don’t
plan to stay too long. Sick people are often exhausted by a visit. They may
do well with a twenty-minute to a half-hour visit. It’s a good idea also
to tell them when you arrive that your visit is not going to be long but that
you will be back to see them.
Being in the hospital today is quite a challenge because often people feel compartmentalized.
The different specialists who take care of them have their own specialty, and
the patient may think, who’s taking care of the whole me? This is where
the family physician is important.
When you visit the sick, it certainly is appropriate to ask them their symptoms,
to listen with compassion and, if necessary, to pass the word along to someone
who should be responsible for them. It’s not only necessary to visit Christ
in the sick, but to help Him in the sick because that’s where He needs
help.
Let us continue to pray for each other!
Father Benedict
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Fr. Benedict, each day I open your web site to find out what progress you're making. My friend, Jim McWilliams -- an old and venerable Pro-life Rescuer, calls me and askes me to read your daily message to him. Today I read, "In the next few messages I will discuss how to visit the sick in order to be really helpful to them." -- and Jim responded "Bring them a bottle of Gin.....and for the rich ones a bottle of Cognac." Well, it gave me quite a laugh and I hope it did to you too! We continue to pray for your complete recovery, and God's blossoming of your ministry. May God continue to bless you and your congregation! - John, Clifton, New Jersey
Father, I bought your CD A Reason to Believe, it is wonderful. Two friends and myself went to Enders Island for a Day of Recollection today 5/25 and I played this CD on the way down in the car, it was so inspirational. Father I read your messages everyday and share them with my friends who don't have Computers. Father keep up the good work in your illness, we need you to continue to give us the wonderful messages. I ampraying for your recovery. - Mary, Barbara Hart and Josephine, Cranston, Rhode Island
I check the Franciscan website each day, and enjoy what Father Benedict has to say....lots of good thoughts in so few words....delighted to receive the e-mail, telling us of Father's return home, although I know he's always at "home" in his heart and soul.....Father, you are truly a remarkable man....so much good has been done and so many prayers said since your accident....we wish you a full recovery, that you may go back to the work that you do so beautifully....love, - Ellie, Columbus, Ohio
I am thankful to God for your recovery! Ever since your accident the Missionaries of Charity Sisters in Miami have been praying for you as well as LMC's, Co-Workers and Volunteers who come to their house. It is good to know that you will be able to walk and move again, for a moment we were all so scared. But the Lord knows how much we all need your "messages from God". He works through you Father Benedict to reach many. God Bless You! Love and Prayers, - Eva, Coral Gables, Florida
Dear Fr. Benedict, Thank you so much for the update on your physical progress, it will be good to share this with the other members of our Oratory. This has become a habit I hope will never break, every morning after prayer, before I start my day, I have to read your message for the day, you give us inspiration and hope to live on for the day. God bless you Fr., may He bring you much love and healing in your life, as you bring to us. I love you and pray for you every day.- Bonnie, Michigan
Praise God that the good Father is improving. My entire family, when we lived in the U.S. received so much from his insights and love for our Lord and Savior, the Risen Jesus Christ watching and listening to him on EWTN that we feel very much in communion with him. We had the pleasure of meeting Father at Newark airport, he was rushing to catch a plane for who knows where and we were on our way back to Italy. (I am American and my wife is Italian from Rome which is our home. At the time I was attending a Benedictine Seminary in Oregon--to gain the necessary theological preparation for service to our Church as a permanent deacon.) Fr.Groeschel has a wonderful way of making one feel that you have his complete attention--better he does take time to give one his complete attention. Though our paths crossed for only a few minutes, we have followed his progress and pray that one day we will again have the benefit not only of his lessons of life and spirituality but his sense of humor as well. It is in this spirit that I beg the good Father that the next time he is hungry, instead of crossing a dangerous street to get a bag of burgers and fries, call out for Chinese food--they deliver! Our sincerest and warmest regards to all of you who share life in community with Fr. Groeschel and please receive from us our steadfast intention to continue to pray for your mission for the Glory of God and the Salvation of souls. Yours in the Risen Christ, John, Emanuela, Gianluca and Federico,
Greetings in the Lord! Thank you , I saw Father on EWTN this week. He looked good even though he has some battle wounds from his ordeal. He is in my daily prayers and I surly need his prayers also. God bless all of you good priests . I hate to think of where we would be without you. I pray that there will be more nuns soon as they are also needed desperately. These are rough times for Holy Mother the Church and Ihope things improve by the mercy of God . Be well. - P.C,
You have always built up my faith and helped me through my trials. God Bless you and strengthen you! - Monica, Centerport, New York
We monks here in Conyers, GA. Praise and thank the Triune God for the recovery of OUR Fr. Benedict - that Man of God who is a giant prophetic figure in the American Church, and whose influence is worldwide! May the Holy Spirit be a healing and energizing power for him this Pentecost. Fr. Thomas Francis, OCSO
Dear Fr. Benedict, Your latest book "There Are No Accidents" was one that I could not put down until I finished it. I am thanking God,Our Blessed Mother, and Fr. Solanus Casey every day for your progress. You have come so far since January--and you brighten the day for countless people through your internet wisdom! Know that you are doing tremendous work through your incredible example for all of us--for none of us truly know how to suffer--but you are showing us daily. May St. Padre Pio and the communion of Saints continue to smile upon you while you recover. - Lisa, Howell, Michigan
