From Trinity Retreat

Saturday August 7, 2004

The other day a most remarkable man, Mr. Bob Thomas, visited me at Trinity Retreat. Bob has been a member of the board of Franciscan University, Steubenville, and has now been nominated chairman of the board of Ave Maria University in Naples, Florida. Fifty years ago, as a young adult, Bob contracted infantile paralysis. He has been quite limited in his ability to use his legs over the years and now relies on a motorized wheelchair, but it doesn’t keep him down. He travels all over the country doing various apostolic works and keeping things going for Catholic higher education. I’ve served with Bob any number of times and I completely forget his handicap.
Because of my present situation I was naturally anxious to see how he does it. The answer is trust in God and simple determination. Bob’s life is really quite a remarkable testimony to what you can do if you rely on the Lord and make up your mind to do it. I’ve learned this from a number of people who have physical disabilities. My own present disabilities with a mashed arm and shoulder seem small when compared to what others I know have encountered. The message is faith and determination. Faith comes first, but determination must be there too. As St. Paul says, “I can do all things in Him who strengthens me.”

Let us continue to pray for each other!

Father Benedict
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Dear father Groeschel: now that my computer is "running" again I can check on you. I was glad to see you on ewtn again. I mostly attend a protestant church,but I do visit a Catholic Church nearby once in a while,I must confess that I have began to pray the Rosary. IT felt great.Like a Relief of sorts.May we always praise our Lord and Saviour. A friend of yours and brother in christ. - Virgil, from Jackson, Michigan

Dear Fr Groeschel, I have enjoyed your insights, explanations and especially your faith which illuminates the dark broadcasting cosmos, dispelling the despair which characterizes most TV programming. I hope you recover completely and it has been comforting to see that while your body has been battered your mind is still very much intact. God bless you, - Dick, Delmar, New York

Dear Father Groeschel, You are so right about getting back to work when you are recuperating. Even if you can't work at your regular job, find something to do, otherwise one can become a victim of depression. You made me laugh so hard when you said people would start calling you lefty. I love it when someone can make me laugh. It's one of the best medicines. I'm so happy to see so many young men being called to the priesthood. It defies what society would like us to believe. You are God's gift to us. Thank you for your perseverance. Love in Christ, - Mary, North Tonawanda, New York

Send your greetings to Fr. Benedict

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