Dear friends of Fr. Benedict,

From Trinity Retreat

Thursday August 5, 2004

The way to get better is to get better. I’ve come to that conclusion. The best thing to do when you’ve been laid up with a serious accident or illness is to start getting back to your responsibilities. This week I’m giving a retreat to ten very fine priests and a Lutheran pastor, Bernard Ruffin, who has joined us. Pastor Ruffin is the author of a great book on Padre Pio called The True Story. Among the priests is Msgr. Walsh, who is going to be ordained an Auxiliary Bishop of New York next month. It’s quite an honor to have bishop candidates on retreat. Over the years we’ve had more than twelve men preparing for the ordination to the episcopate here at Trinity Retreat.
Although it may be tough to get back to work when one is not feeling completely well, it’s the best idea. Staying in bed is an awful idea when you are sick, as is staying in the hospital. If you happen to be sick or know people who are sick, encourage them to get back to work as quickly as they can. They’ll feel better and do better.
Thank you again for your prayers and please keep praying for me that my arm and shoulder may improve in their functioning. Right now I’m thinking that people will be calling me Lefty.

Let us continue to pray for each other!

Father Benedict
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Dear Fr. Benedict, and every"ONE" of your friars.- Congratulations for the new friars, I am willing to be able to imitate from you at least "obedience". I like your picture of August 4/04. Mexican children will be back to school next Monday 16, I am sure they pray for you during vacations. Let us continue to pray for each other - Yoya, Jalisco Mexico.

Dear Father Groeschel: Praise God for your Community of Friars & Sisters working so hard for His church.This web site alone has brought so many of us from around the world together. I for one find so much hope in these Emails and how much all of us are longing for the TRUTH in this tipsy turvy world.In today's gospel we read "the gates of hell shall not prevail against His church" and like you and Father Apostolie said yesterday "your community is the work of God. Thank God for all of you ,you are in my prayers. - Patricia, Avon, Ohio

To whom it may concern, Congratulation to the new Franciscan Friars of the Renewal. They are the future of the Church. It's like I tell everyone who will listen: "Pope John Paul II speaks of the New Springtime coming in our beloved Church. The Franciscan Friars and their sisters of the renewal ARE IT!!!." God bless you all. Your brother in Christ, - Andrew, Yonkers, New York

Dear Fr. Groeschel, Thank you for allowing us to experience this wonderful event. I am so grateful for this website. We have been given an opportunity to belong to your family and share your lives. Always in my prayers, - Gloria (transplanted Big Apple) Huntington Beach, California

Dear Father Groeschel: Congratulations to the new friars and sisters. And a huge thank you to you and them for providing us with such a strong beacon of hope and spirituality in these dark times.
It is absolutely wonderful to know that you are so busy. Many prayers have been answered. Many more will be offered for your intention. God Bless You. - Caroline (Monroe Conn.)

Send your greetings to Fr. Benedict