Dear friends of Fr. Benedict,
From Trinity Retreat
Saturday, June 19, 2004
During my months of recuperation, one of the things that I learned was the value of a smile. Having arrived at different hospitals and treatment centers I realized that people knew that I was a priest and they may not have been familiar with priests. I greeted them all with a big smile, asked them where they were from and where they grew up and other pleasant questions. They smiled back. Smiles are a little infectious. I’m a little bit afraid to say that it took me seventy years to realize the real importance of a smile. A smile communicates openness and a friendliness that a person is willing to give. There are false smiles and they are very negative things indeed. A real smile, which shows that you are honestly pleased to meet someone and to greet him or her, is a very valuable thing. There used to be a nice saying around, smile God loves you. Mother Teresa always said do things with a smile.
Let us continue to pray for each other!
Father Benedict
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Happy Father's Day, Fr. B. When I read that you were offering mass for all those who pray for you, I was touched. My husband & I pray for you everyday and Mass is offered for your recovery, we all can see the fruits from the accident, what a blessing to be able to touch so many souls for Christ. May Jesus Sacred Heart burn within you this day and the Immaculate Heart be ever so close to you. Love, - Linda, -Baton Rouge, Los Angelas
Dear Fr. Groeschel, Thank so much for your web-site!!! May Our Lady and her beloved Son continue their healing and blessing on you and your Friars. I ordered your CD "A Reason To Believe" Wonderful and truly inspiring. I gave it to my husband to listen on his way home. He's listened to it twice and asked to keep it longer. You are in my daily prayers, You have been a true blessing. Thank you . - Gloriana, La Habra, California
Dear Father Benedict, So many of us have prayed for your recovery and God has given us what we want. As I read your site today the words gratitude and comfort came into my head. That we too must thank God for letting you stay with us and most of all for your great comfort. I don't know exactly what it is about you but you give me great comfort, not something this world hands out in great amounts. It gives me great hope to know that this communication will continue in some form so I know I can go to it for comfort, strength, hope and peace of mind. A daily break from anxiety! Love you, - Mary, North Tonawanda, New York
I too read the website faithfully and I appreciate the messages that are honest and inciteful. I wish they were just a little bit longer. Maybe the comments could be a bit more directed to what the message that was given was about in a way of sharing. I never saw the TV program that so many have seen but I do know Fr. Benedict from the Children's Village history and appreciate his insights into the Christian faith and not just Catholicism. Plenty of Protestants out here reading these for spiritual help. - Rev. Holby, Dobbs Ferry, New York
Dear Fr. Groeschel, each night before I go to bed, I check in on your website. This has become a very important part of my life. Isn't it awesome the way God turns bad into good? Things have been very tense & trying these last several months. Your accident has given me the courage to face the miniscule problems I have. They are nothing compared to what others go thru. When I feel as though my cross has gotten too heavy, I just remember, with the help of Jesus how small my problems are. Thank you for sharing the miracle of your life. About the website, I think it's great that there is the possiblility that it will become a daily offering. I really have no suggestions, anything y'all come up with will be wonderful I'm sure. - Melanie, Metairie, Louisiana
Fr. B., A suggestion for your new daily web page: Families are struggling these days to be faithful and to raise children up in Christ. Please, please, please, serve us by having something in there daily to edify marriages. We need this so as to pass it on to our children. Teachings on the Sacrament and such. In the hearts of Jesus and Mary, - Erika, Chico, California
Dear Father Benedict, I enjoy and look forward to reading
you message every night.
Please know that you bring me up and out of my depression.....daily... please
don't stop. Life can be so full of heartbreak..May God bless you for all that
you do. -Patricia, Pittsburgh, Penn.
