Dear friends of Fr. Benedict,

From Trinity Retreat

In our discussion of miracles we come to the question of faith. Among other things, faith is a habit of the mind. People believe easily if they have this habit. It is necessary to have grace in order to persevere in belief, but for some simpler souls faith does not present any challenges. One can be devoutly envious of such people. For others, particularly the well educated and especially those educated in scientific procedures, education may have given them a mind-set against the supernatural. This was the experience of Dr. Carrel, who observed two first-class miracles at Lourdes but who came back to the faith only as he was dying.
It is helpful to be able to take on a person with scientific prejudices. It is good to know that some of the greatest scientists who ever live — for example, Louis Pasteur — were people of profound religious faith. The Third Order of Franciscans has all sorts of illustrious scientists in addition to Pasteur: Ampère, Galvani, and Lavoisier, to name a few.
Physical miracles, which are incontrovertible evidence that science itself cannot explain everything and that divine power is exerted in the cure of serious human symptoms, should give an honest person reason to think things over. That is why I spent the last few days on miracles. Unfortunately, the media at the present time are profoundly agnostic or antireligious, and viciously anti-Catholic in many respects. Do yourself a favor and get the book Healing Fire of Christ by Father Glynn. You will have many well-documented examples of God’s power to bring healing and happiness to believing souls. Remember that Our Lord Jesus Christ was known to his contemporaries primarily as a healer.
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Dear Fr. Groeschel, I just finished watching you on EWTN with Fr. Mitch. You were marvelous!!!!I enjoyed listening to you so much. Your words of wisdom are my inspiration. I am so thankful to God for sparing your life so that you may Preach to us once more..I look forward to seeing you again when you appear by satellite on EWTN.. Thank you - Kathy, New York

To be honest this is the first time, I am actually writing to you via email. I usually come to this website often. I just moved to Tennessee from NYC. I had gone on several retreats with the friars. I had heard about Youth 2000 but I had no idea about the CFR's. A friend at WYD Toronto told me that I should find out about Youth 2000 NY and I am glad I did. I have to be honest I never saw the videos on the webpages until today. I just got a computer and downloaded the software to be able to see it. I loved seeing the final vows of the friars!! (I bawled like a baby!) It was great to see and I was also able to hear the music! Made me realize how much I miss the friars and I hope that they would consider coming to the University of Tennessee in Knoxville...(retreat??? any takers??) I would say definitely keep the internet page up. It has provided a sort of comfort zone. A place where I can go to read some inspiring messages...we need places like this on the web. There is plenty of "bad" stuff online we need more of the "good" stuff. Perhaps, one day of the week could be like Q&A type forum where people can ask questions about the Catholic faith, traditions, or to discuss the latest issues in the Catholic community. I for one, grew up in a Catholic household, went to CCD but did not understand my Catholic faith until I met the Little Sisters of the Poor. They taught me to say the rosary, the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. I was 15 when I met them. Before that church was just something I did. It was a routine...I did not know any better but I am guessing that I might not be the only one. There is still alot I have to learn.....Okay well I hope this helps. Thank you for EVERYTHING!!! Ciao, - Lorena, Tennessee

You are the first person I have heard to speak of Saint Bernadette and Our Lady's Appearance at Lourdes in many, many years. I think that few priest ever share this story of our Lady, or others, from the pulpit. It's a shame that so many young people are deprived of this appearance. I have always found it so encouraging. Thank you for telling us about the new book by Father Glynn. God bless you as you continue to do His work. - Bill, New Jersey

Hello Fr. Groeschel: You MUST publish a book with the daily reflections you have been doing since your accident. I am confident that it will be a best seller. Let's continue to pray for each other. Thank you. - Justine, Florida

Dear Father Groeschel, Just wanted to let you know that you continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. May Gods will be done in all of us. Please remember me in your prayers as well. May God continue to bless all your good works. Prayerfully, - Sr. Francis Pio, New York

Dear Fr. Groeschel, Thank you for the daily reflection you have given to us on the net. It has been so meaningful to me from your earliest messages, as I was recuperating at the time. And I was excited to read your message today re praying to St. Bernadette and Our Lady of Lourdes, and I look forward to more. You, and your messages, have been an inspiration. I continue to pray for you, for your healing. Thank you. Kathleen, Vermont

Dear Fr. Benedict - Wow. I have not written or checked in with you in 2 months or so. And here you are! My, our God is awesome! Fr., we live in rough times- lots of bad news; but always more good news. MY deacon husband and I continue to be a part of ENCOURAGE - Carol, Michigan

Dear Good Fr.,First let me say that only moments ago I discovered that you had been in an accident. Sense our Lord is transcendent I'll begin to pray for your safety and healing, 'For by His stripes we are healed.'If anyone has a problem with that let him take it up with King David. The point of this, I am not in the Roman nor eastern catholic Church. However, I stake eternity on the ideal joy that I'm in that Holy Church catholic. In fact I am an evangelical Bapticostal. That said I sure enjoy your program. Often on EWTN we see the difference between Catholic and we Proddies How about looking at what draws us together - Randy, Nebraska

Dear Father Benedict, Lord, have mercy. I have a wonderful picture in my bedroom with Pope John Paul and Mother Teresa, and under the picture it says, "We are not called upon to be successful but to be faithful." When I saw it in a gift shop it made me feel so peaceful that I knew I wanted to have it as a reminder. I have what people often call an "A" personality. Over the years I have struggled with being an overachiever. Once I understood the message I relaxed my ways and started focusing on my faith. My life just turned around. It is still a conscious act because the material world tugs at me, but with prayer I have been able to keep it at bay. There is so much peace and serenity to be had by focusing on Jesus. In your CD, A Reason to Believe, you talk about what you would have been like in the secular world. That was so profound to me and put this world into perspective. (I also enjoyed your remarks about "Schlepping it".) What's so ironic, is that to be faithful is so much harder than being "successful", but you have given me the courage to keep trying. I continue to pray for your full recovery. May God bless and keep you. - Charlotte, Indiana

Send your greetings to Fr. Benedict