Dear friends of Fr. Benedict,

From Trinity Retreat

Wednesday August 4, 2004

On Sunday August 1st, eight friars made their final vows in a very impressive ceremony at St. John the Baptist Church in Yonkers, New York. This profession was a tremendous sign of hope; not just for the friars, but in a way for the whole church with all the unbelief and hostility to the church. We were still able to give vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience to eight fine young men totally dedicated to the Gospel. Please enjoy the film of the profession presented by Grassroots Productions.

Let us continue to pray for each other!

Father Benedict
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Dear Fr. Groeschel, Happy Feast Day of St. John Vianney, The Cure d' Ars, to you and to all the Friars of the Franciscan Renewal and all Religious of your congregation, especially the four splendid CRF Sisters whose investiture and holy vows you witnessed! Gratefully, - Larry Anthony and family, Chicago, Illinois

Father Benedict, How hopeful to hear you say that young people are joining the religious life in spite of these difficult times that we live in today. The Holy Spirit cannot be beaten down. I read with interest the comment by the retired priest today who comments on the book, A PRIEST FOREVER, THE LIFE OF FATHER EUGENE HAMILTON. I also have read this book and found it to be tremendously inspiring. In fact, since I read it, when we pray for the dead at Holy Mass each day I remember Father Eugene in my prayers. I am sure he doesn't need my prayers but I am hoping he will remember me when my time comes. It is absolutely marvelous to read of your continued recovery. I pray for you each day when I say the rosary. God Bless You and your friars, - Judy, Stockton, California

Dear Fr. Benedict and all the Franciscan Friars and Sisters of the Renewal--Congratulations and bountiful blessings upon all the newly professed Friars and Sisters. You all are awesome!- Fr. Bruce Nieli, C.S.P. Memphis, Tenn.

Dear Father Groeschel, May God bless all the new members of your community. It is good to know that God is still calling and people are still heeding the call. I give them a lot of credit to step out in faith. It can not be easy to choose the religious life these days, especially in our culture. They are men and women of courage and great spirituality. I will pray that their call be to the glory of God. I continue to pray for you and hope to see you soon in Mystic CT. In Him, - Janet, East Haddam, Conn.

Dear Father Benedict: Just a note to tell you that I pray for you daily. I will pray for our countries as you suggested. You are loved! - Adrienne, Thornhill Ontario, Canada

Dear Father Benedict, Lord, have mercy. It was wonderful to hear that you were able to prepare and be present at the ordination of eight Brothers. It was equally wonderful to learn that you were also going to do a retreat. Prayers answered. It fills me with joy to hear that you are busy. Praise be to our Lord, Jesus Christ. I thought that you might be interested to know about something that is occurring out here in the Heartland. There are trucks driving through Des Moines, Iowa at the lunch hour with pictures of abortions on them. Their purpose is to promote awareness and to encourage people to take a stand against abortions. In response to this the news media is stressing the "ugliness" and upsetting nature of the pictures. Well, they got that right, didn't they? It is horrific. So, why do they not get it? One brave lady said, when asked if the trucks were not going over the top by driving through during the lunch hour, that the babies in the picture died before they were able to taste their first lunch. Another man said that obviously, one cannot turn a blind eye to the situation. However, they had quite a few that were aghast at the trucks, not at abortion. One person even suggested that the pictures were not enough to change a person's mind. This just floored me. Not enough? Then that would mean that the average person has a heart made of stone. I am encouraged, though, by the bravery being shown. I continue to pray for the end to abortion as I continue, also, to pray for your full recovery. May God bless and keep you. - Charlotte,

Thank you. We pray for your complete recovery. We are saddened to learn that the Franciscan Friary in our city is sold and the friars are leaving our city after serving the entire community for over 65 years. This Chapel,located in the the down town area, was "the place" a person could go to confession 6 days a week Monday to Saturday from 9:00 am to 12 noon and then from 2:00 to 5:00 pm. Many people have expressed their sadness. We pray for that Order to grow as in our region there are very few "young" friars living. Please, keep us in your prayers. - Angeline, Canada

Send your greetings to Fr. Benedict

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