Dear friends of Fr. Benedict,

Today is Tuesday, January 27. Here is the latest update on Fr. Benedict.

Thanks be to God, Father Benedict underwent another successful surgery. An artificial elbow was put in, while the metal pins, which were sticking out of his arm, were removed. Instead of his arm being extended, it now lies in a cloth sling across his chest. We hope that in time the pain will decrease and this new position will be more comfortable. Unfortunately, one other surgery is necessary; namely, the stretched ligaments in his right shoulder must be tightened. The doctors, however, will wait until the wounds in his arms made by the metal pins are healed.

Finally, a bit of history was made as Br. Sharbel actually made Father B. laugh - not simply smile - but laugh! As Br. Sharbel was leaving Father's room, he stopped, turned to Father and said, "Oh, Father Benedict, I almost forgot. Sister Regina (one of the CFR sisters) made me promise to give you a hug and a kiss. Father's eyes widened as Brother Sharbel approached the bed. But he stopped and tried to negotiate just how to fulfill his promise seeing Father in such a fragile and contorted position. He suddenly stopped, shrugged his shoulders and said with a smile, "Father, I can only do my best". He then kissed his own hand and then tapped it on Fathers forehead! Yes, he laughed.

Good Jesus, two weeks ago, we tasted the salt of our tears. Today we taste the sweetness of your Mercy. "They go out, they go out, full of tears, carrying seed for the sowing. They come back, they come back, full of joy, carrying their sheaves..."

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Here are a few E-mail's for both you and Father:

"Today I woke up in bed feeling warm and cozy; I decided not to go to Mass. After all, I reasoned, I do go quite regularly; what harm could it do? But then I remembered you lying in a hospital bed and depending on my prayers. So I tumbled out of bed and went off to Mass. What grace, what love the spirit imparts to those who seek it out! What I'm trying to say Father Benedict, is that your suffering is not in vain. How I would have wished for your accident not to have occurred, but God willed otherwise, and as a consequence, my unworthy heart and the hearts of many others are drawing closer in love to our great Father in Heaven and the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Mary. I hope this brings you some comfort, Father…" - L.C., Halesite, New York

"We have learned so much from your books and we are very sorry to hear what has happened to you. We, like many others, have been waiting for your condition to get better. Today is the first day of the traditional Chinese New Year and we hope that you will recover soon in this coming year. Yesterday evening our family went to the Thanksgiving Mass and prayed for you. We hope in the near future you will continue to guide our faith through your teaching and example". - L. Zhang, China

"This is John Pridmore and the Youth 2000 Mission Team in Ireland. We want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We pray that you will recover - and quickly. We hope to see you soon. God bless you, good Father"! - Ennicorthy, Wexford

"The [video] clip of Father Benedict brought tears to my eyes, but hope in my heart. With our hearts full of love, we pray and beg our Lord and our Blessed Mother for a complete recovery so that you may continue to brings God's words to us and continue to do his work here on earth". (From my twelve-year-old son: Please pray for me because I want to become a priest. I hope you feel better. I will pray for you!) - F.A., Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada

"Father B is in my prayers and I hope for a speedy recovery, if God is willing. I have watched many of his series and have purchased some of them. What an inspiration! Father was one of the two priests on EWTN that finally got this one-time Protestant to truly understand the abortion issue." D.L., - Allentown, Pennsylvania

Goodnight and God Bless You!

Fr. Glenn Sudano, C.F.R.
Community Servant (superior)
Franciscan Friars of the Renewal

Send your greetings to Fr. Benedict

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