Dear friends of Fr. Benedict,

From Trinity Retreat

Saturday July 24, 2004

Recently I read a remarkable book Healing Fire of Christ by Fr. Paul Glynn and its reflection on modern miracles published by Ignatius Press. Fr. Glynn reviews a number of the miracles reported in modern times especially the one reported by Dr. Alexis Carrel a Nobel Prize winner and later the director of the Rockefeller Institute for Scientific and Medical Research in New York. If you are interested in miracles this book is definitely for you. One of the questions that Fr. Glynn takes up is why people who see miracles or know that they occurred don’t begin to believe. The reason is that they have not made a decision to believe. As Cardinal Newman says “to be convinced is not to be persuaded”. To be persuaded means that you are willing with your whole mind and heart to make a decision. To be convinced is merely something in your mind.
I think there are many people in our country who are convinced but not persuaded. This explains why more than half of all Catholics do not go to Mass on Sunday, why there is discourtesy and lack of reverence in Church, why the things of God are taken very lightly. They are convinced but not persuaded. It’s a good thing to examine your conscience to see that when you believe in God your whole mind and body is possessed by that belief. It will make you much happier and it will bring you much closer to Him.

Let us continue to pray for each other!

Father Benedict
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Greeting from Chicago Fr.Benedict! I just learned that you are putting your books and tapes on the web. But you forgot one of your newest CD's! PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION FOR THE HOLY SOULS! The CD has been doing marvelous. Infact, it got an "EXCEPTIONAL" rating from the Publishers Review Service which is quite an honor! But I just wanted to be sure that your viewers and followers know what a wonder job you did by doing this CD which covers the Stations of the Cross for the Holy Souls, the Litany for the Holy Souls, Benediction, Divine Praises, and Fr. Grigus doing the Holy Souls Rosary. What a great year round devotional tape! They are selling like hotcake's! Again, thank you for joining me on Johnette Benkovic's show Abundant Life which will be aired in October. Everyone will be happy to hear you voice! May the Holy Souls keep and protect for all you have done for them! You will not be allowed in Purgatory! God Bless, - Susan, Chicago, Illinois

Hello dear Father Ben...my thought today is of the confusion in the world... Our world has so many false ideas..we sometimes forget to ask Our Lord to "protect us" from being misled. Isiah8:19 tell us: "Why are you trying to find out the future by consulting witches and mediums? Do not listen to their whisperings, and mutterings. Can the living find out the future from the dead? Why not ask your God?" Father Ben wrote in regards to the evil traps of this world ...Remember, the Holy Rosary is the Weapon of Choice..Our Lady will not let us down! - Jackie, New York

Dear Fr. Benedict. I am a Capuchin pastor at St. Clare of Montefalco parish in Chicago, a Mexican American parish. I want to assure you of my prayers for you and your ministry. I ask your prayers, and the prayers of the Brothers, for our parish. There is much violence and gant activity and drugs in the area. We are involved in an Evangelization project, under the protection of Our Lady of Guadalupe and are using the Rosary and the Divine Mercy chaplet as evangelization tools. We have only begun and it is already having a positive impact. Many years ago, in 1973, you gave a retreat at Crown Point Indiana for we friars in simple vows. I was privileged to attend. I still remember your talk on making a "religious act", an act of worship....your way of discussing the vows. God bless you for ministry in the Church. Fraternally, - Michael, OFM Cap. Chicago, Illinois

Fr. Benedict, When I heard of your accident, I thought of 'Arise from Darkness' and how you wanted to leave this life with a diagnosis of cancer and being recorded. My heart felt compassion for your suffering and I was disappointed you might not get your desire. I hope you and God are working together on this latest change of plans. My husband recently died of cancer and I have worked as an oncology nurse for 30 years. I questioned your desire to face such a future. Anyway, we know God ultimately has the last word--thank goodness we can trust Him in such miserable circumstances. I love your spunky spirit and courage. My prayers join those around the world that God heals you in the ways most beneficial to you.
In Christ's friendship, - Karen, Covina, California

Dear Fr. Benedict, Thank you for reminding us of the beautiful prayer Anima Christi and how to say it and for whom to pray it to... Our prayers & continued support for your convalescence, and with God's Loving Touch, Mercies and Grace, your complete recovery. Happy commemorating the Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary, St's. Joachim & Anne, Fr.! Reverently, - Larry, CHGO, Illinois

Send your greetings to Fr. Benedict

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