Dear friends of Fr. Benedict,

From Trinity Retreat

Sunday July 11, 2004

In Psalm 46 we read the beautiful line: “Be still, and know that I am God.” Silence and stillness in the presence of God are certainly to be expected. People fall silent in the presence of important public officials or dignitaries, even before people whose great reputation may not be deserved. Nonetheless, in God’s presence there is no question that silence is the appropriate behavior.
Not so long ago no one ever spoke out loud in a Catholic Church. Fifty years ago the only time you could speak out loud in church was if the building was on fire. Now conversation goes on before and after and, incredibly, even during the liturgy.
Please join me and my fellow members of the Oratory of Divine Love (www.Oratorydl.com) in our campaign to get people to be quiet in church. If someone does speak to you, the best thing is not to answer, or to answer very briefly in a hushed whisper. Also, if you practice tough looks, give them a hawk-like visage. Practice this well, and you will be able to give them a look that will bring them to silence.
It can’t hurt.

Let us continue to pray for each other!

Father Benedict
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Dear Fr. Benedict, The grace of the Holy Trinity be with you which reflects its gifts and fruits through you and your incredible and holy ministry. I have been pondering your request to submit suggestions as to what we would like to have your fellow priests and brothers write about. What comes to mind is to do what you do best and that is to teach, inform, instruct, and rally our faith and spirituality in order to bring us closer in knowledge and union with the Triune God and His Will for each one of us. There several areas that, to me, would be of interest.This can be done by having one individual undertake a specific and ongoing topic such as; Right to Life, Morality, Teachings of the Church and its role in the contemporary world, Doing God's will as it relates to one's state of life, The Eucharist with in depth meaning and meditations, The Gospels with their meanings and reflections, All about Mary, and apologetics in defense of the Church and its teachings. All these and more as on going insights, questions and answers. It would be great to be able to go to a "quasi" internet based bible study and spirituality resource. And who is better equipped to do this? Thank you for your holy priesthood and for all your fellow priests, brothers, and sisters. With love and gratitude, - Gene, Largo, Florida PS: Thank you for the good fight. We need you!

Father how about one day a week,"Ask The Friar" session on your web-site? Nice to see you looking so well!!! - Gloriana, La Habra, California

Dear Father Benedict , I am glad to see you are improving and I wish you continued success in your recovery. I think by now you know how much you mean to so many people. I thank God each day that he has allowed you more time with us. You have a mission to spread God's word by using your own ideas and illustrations. I have been touch by your sincerity and humility. We all need to hear from you regularly but you must conserve you strength. I think that sharing your discussion with your fellow brothers is a good idea. The world loves you because you speak the truth and tell us of God's love for all. I wish you the very best and I hope we can meet some time. Sincerely, - Frank, Chicago, Illinois P. S. If you can help the Cubs win the World Series many would thank you for your intercession.

Dear Father Benedict, How are you? I will pray that you will not need surgery after all. When you ask the question "What are we to do with this little column..", I hear the words of Padre Pio that you used: "Ask God 'what am I to do?'" I guess Our Lady would say "Do whatever He tells you". I have been thinking lately that Our Lord's to the people and to Lazarus
"Untie Him and let Him go free" and "Lazarus, come forth" are the same words that Jesus is speaking you His wounded Bride here on earth. All Martha and all Mary's and all Lazarus's are needed to play our parts and confess our friendship with Jesus, and to profess our faith in Him as the Resurrection and the Life. He wept at Mary's tears. He waited for her. He will not ignore His Mother or His Friends. He is so Good and He is our Best Friend. God bless you today and all day, all days. Let us continue to pray for each other. - Mari-Ellen, Mc Lean, Virginia

Dear Father Groeschel, I am so glad each day to hear of your progress in recuperation, and your attitude through it all. You have been an inspiration to me. I continue to pray for your progress and your next two surgeries. I wouldn't miss your daily messages. They are very helpful and inspirational. Your message today regarding our need to show reverence when we are in front of our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament I agree with whole heartedly. And it does bring to my mind something that has bothered me long before it became a topic by the media. And that is several politicians voting for abortions and partial-birth abortions and still being shown receiving our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. This is Jesus they are receiving and it was confusing why it was allowed. It seemed to be such a sacrilege to me. (I try not to judge, but the act seems so wrong!) I have been relieved to hear several Cardinals speak up on this, relieved that it is getting the attention and being addressed by the Church. Thank you, Father, for speaking out, on all the subjects you have spoken out on. I will continue to pray for you, through the Rosary and at Sunday Mass. - Kathleen, Richmond, Vermont

Dear Fr. Benedict, Prayers continue for your complete recovery so you may continue to bring many souls to Jesus. Thank you for your daily messages and those who are being touched by them. We know we are not alone. Please continue, in whatever format the Holy Spirit leads you. - Chancellor, South Dakota

Thank you especially for your comments about appropriate dress and reverence! The lack of both is appalling, and I believe, a reflection of the lack of belief in the Real Presence among Catholics. Help us cure the problem so the symptom will disappear! I am printing your messages of July 9 & 10, and asking our pastor if I may post on the bulletin board. Thank you.
- Elizabeth, South Dakota

Send your greetings to Fr. Benedict

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