From
Trinity Retreat Dear friends of Fr. Benedict,
From
Trinity Retreat
Sunday, June 13, 2004
Today is the great feast of the Eucharist, the sacrament of the Body
and Blood of Christ. I hope to join the friars and the sisters of the Renewal
for a beautiful Corpus Christi celebration and procession in the South Bronx
today. How grateful I am to Christ for this incredible and wonderful sacrament.
During the long periods when I was on a respirator, over two months, I had only
the Blessed Sacrament and the rosary to console me. How important it was to
be able to pray to Christ in His own physical presence. What an immense privilege
it was.
The feast of Corpus Christi was established so that we would have greater gratitude
and respect for the Body and Blood of Christ. Unfortunately in our age, which
is not known for gratitude to God or respect, there is diminishing reverence
for the Eucharist. Everyone should resolve on this feast of Corpus Christi to
show silent, devout reverence whenever we are in the presence of Christ in the
Eucharist. We need to communicate that to others. Eucharistic ministers need
to operate in the most reverent and devout way. We need to proclaim to the whole
world that Christ is with us. He is not only with us as a memory, or as a teacher
in the Gospel. He is also with us in His Body and Blood. He is with us as God
and also as Son of Man.
Let us continue to pray for each other!
Father Benedict
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Father Benedict, God Bless you for your consistant message of love and mercy. Each time I read the messages and hear your voice I feel I am on a mini retreat. I always leave feeling refreshed and touched by the Holy Spirit. I have visited the Oratory of Divine Love site, and hope someday to join a group near me. In the meantime I love to look at the readings and try to follow the practice of living a christ centered life. It is hard sometimes, the "things" of everyday life overwhelms. I thank you always for your words of encouragement and your devoted message of the Word of God. God Bless you Father and all those serving with you. Sincerely, - Kathy, in East Haddam, Conn.
Dear Fr.Ben, Brother Gerard asked the question about the last seat in purgatory in a joking way and couldn't remember your positive answer. I hope the ? evoked a smile.You must be inundated with mail and getting well. I hope that the B.V.M. wraps you in here mantle like a knish and lets your nose stick out. Much love,Stephanie.P.S. My computer is wearing out or messed up,so this mode of communication will be defunct soon. - Stephanie, Danbury, Conn.
Dear Fr. Benedict: Hi, God Bless you--you look wonderful.
I recently saw you on EWTN and was elated. I just wanted to let you know that
you are still in my prayers. I also acquired a new E-mail. Bye for now, God's
peace - Concetta, Livingston, New Jersey
