Dear friends of Fr. Benedict,

From Trinity Retreat

Saturday July 31, 2004

Fr. Benedict continues to progress, and is helping with the preparations for final vows for eight of our Brothers, which will take place tomorrow! Next week he is giving a retreat. Thanks be to God. I will continue to post some of the emails until he writes another message.

Please continue to pray.

Joseph Campo

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Dear Father Benedict, The message from you poured out a lot of hope into our hearts. For me your words said " Be calm little lambs, I am here. Can you not see me loving you with my pain and suffering"? Thank you Father Benedict and God bless you always. - Mary, Owensboro, Kentucky

Dear Father Benedict: I am so happy you are doing fine. You are in my prayers daily. We all have much to learn from you, and I thank you for your special message each day. Take care my friend, God bless you! Sincerely, - Annette, Wheaton, Illinois

Fr. Benedict, it's good to see the Fire is back! I know people have given you suggestions on what to do with this Web Site and I'd say continue on as you are and maybe let Fr. Glenn, Fr. Andrew or any of the other friars spell you for a week here or there to give you a break (someone may have already suggested this unfortunately I do not always get to read all the inspirational messages). You bring up so many topics of importance. Even like today you speak of the despairing of Faith which has sent many a Catholic/Christian home instead of to church. The book of Job does not get the attention it deserves. The reason I love the Catholic Faith is it's about Everything not what I want to pick and choose. God Bless. - Stephen, Delaware

Dear Fr. Glenn, Thank you for sharing with us your own faith struggle during the time of your recuperation from the accident. I know that many of the great Saints have similarly struggled, but these are the stories that give all of us hope when we suddenly come face to face with the mountain blocking our path. Thank you for your words of wisdom and God bless. - Margaret, Fairport, New York

Dear Father Benedict, I hope this finds you continuing to make progress in you recuperation. The words of Julian of Norwich, which you quote at the end of your tape "Light For Your Dark Times", have been a life raft for me since yesterday. Thank you.
Continue the Good Work! Let us continue to pray for each other. In Christ, - Mari-Ellen, Mclean, Virginia

Dear Fr. Benedict, Over the weekend on the local Catholic radio studio in our area, I heard you give a wonderful talk about Fr. Solanus Casey. I have written to you previously to let you know that as soon as I got word of your accident, I prayed for Fr. Solanus to interceded on your behalf. Then when the friary at St. Bonaventure opened on January 12, your name was taken to the tomb of Fr. Solanus and the friars began praying for you three times each day and they continue to do so. I met you once after a conference and shared with you how Fr. Solanus interceded on behalf of my uncle in his infancy. My uncle is now in his 70's. During your talk you commented that we would be wise to get to know Fr. Solanus. I feel very blessed to have learned so much from someone that knew Fr. Solanus while he was alive--my relatives and you! By sharing stories of this humble man, others can learn so much. You have taught so much to a worldwide audience through EWTN, your books, conferences, but I truly believe you are doing the most important work right now--reminding us how to carry our Cross daily, pray for the poor souls, appreciate the Saints of the Church, the Eucharist and tending to the sick and needy in our midst. You are a beacon of hope for so many. Although you feel limited at times, please know that you are making a significant impact in the world during a very dark time. Blessings of Jesus, Mary, Joseph, St. Pio, and Fr. Solanus to you, Fr. Glenn, Fr. Stan, and all the friars and people at Grassroots. Keep being that bright light for all! - Lisa, Howell, Michigan

Dear Father Groeschel, Thank you, You will always be able to spread our Lord's word; you are just using other means to do so. These past seven months you have touched many people in a short period of time. I can imagine how wonderful it is to do "a live" conference. But for the time, video conferences, the web, and other creative sources can be used until you are well enough to resume your activities. Grace flows through you no matter what tool you use to speak to us. You and your community are always in my prayers. - Gloria (transplanted Big Apple) Huntington Beach California

Send your greetings to Fr. Benedict