Dear friends of Fr. Benedict,

From Fr. Glenn Sudano

Tuesday August 31, 2004

For all of you who pay us a visit every day – “mea culpa”. I am well aware that some are disappointed at not receiving at least a small word of encouragement, information, or inspiration every day. So, if you want a word – the word of the day is… “Patience”! I do appreciate your patience as we undertake the formidable task of presenting something spiritually helpful and practical on a daily basis. In the meantime, I will do my best to keep our lines of communication open by writing “often” (how’s that for a friendly expression of non-commitment!) So, if you sigh when you see nothin’ new – the word for the weak (that’s us) – Patience!

Angela from the Grassroots office told me today that our very popular “Belgium video” is now available on the internet. I hope you can see a bit of it on-line. This high-quality video is quite literally “award winning” as it received special recognition at a European film forum. Grassroots Productions didn’t produce it, but they are distributing it since it fits so perfectly with the purpose of the Grassroots project – “We provide the seed, you do the sowing!” We also have only fifty copies. God willing, we can get more.

Although only a half hour long, all those who see the video are very pleased and almost feel compelled to show it to family and friends. Adults, teens (a tough audience!) and even children like it (they especially enjoy seeing Br. Pio Maria on a skateboard flying over two friars lying in the streets of Harlem!). In these discouraging days, we need to be encouraged – good things are happening, and they’re not making the newspaper! If you’ve ordered the video, tell me if it’s worth the 25 smack-a-roos. But before you do, get your money’s worth and show it to your family, friends, CCD class, youth group etc. If everyone, including yourself, falls asleep – just send back the tape.

Until next time…

God bless you,

Fr. Glenn Sudano, CFR

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Dear Father Benedict, Lord, have mercy. "Never tell me the odds", is a catch phrase for me, Father. I often tell that to my children and students and that one's own determination and perseverance is all we need. Of course, at home, it changes to ,"All things are possible with God." How I wish I could announce that in the public school that I work in. I,too, have come through challenges. For me it was having my children. My first child was born when I was thirty-two. And when I had my second , I was in what Medical Science calls, a "high risk" category. I always refused any invasive treatment so as not to risk miscarriage. I told them that there wasn't any point to it because healthy or not, that is my baby and I am going to carry it to term. This never sat well with the staff, believe me. At forty-two, I was blessed with my fifth child. They called in the Chief of Staff (can you believe it!)to advise me on the odds of my child being carried to term and being "normal". Mind you, I was healthy and joyful and didn't have any doubts, myself. I told him that I didn't want to know the odds. He said it was his job to tell me and that there was a form to sign. Father, I didn't understand how I was supposed to keep a happy, joyful outlook after hearing what he had to tell me. So while he did, I prayed. Talk about self-doubt. Still, I believed that my baby was my baby and we'd make it. Truly, there was no reason why we shouldn't. And so, today, I am the mother five healthy , active, loving children. My husband and I fill up a pew when it isn't their turn to serve and love it. So, I'd like to encourage everyone to listen to their hearts, pray, pray, pray, and above all, choose life, (and never listen to the, "odds"). I continue to pray for your full recovery. May God bless and keep you. - Charlotte, Iowa

Thank you Fr. B, it is well worth reading every gem that comes from the Holy Spirit through you the chosen "voice in the wilderness" . I love all the other priests and my soul really identifies with all of you. - Bea, Nevada

Dearest Fr. Groeschel, It has been quite a while since I have written you, although I have kept daily vigil on your progress. I chuckled at your statement that you had progressed further in your rehab than your medical team had thought possible, and that you were glad that you had not been told of their dire predictions. As a Trauma ICU nurse for many years, I have seen this type of predicting many times. Happily, it is not uncommon that our wisdom is confounded by the One who is Wisdom! It is a wonderful reminder that we in healthcare are merely instruments of the Great Physician, who utilizes our skills and motives to His greater designs. Keep plugging away...your faithful determination is a constant source of inspiration! - Ann, Minnesota

Gratitude and prayers from a former Episcopal minister - Virgil, California

Dear Fr. Benedict, I'm so happy to hear you're too busy with work to write a message every day! Thank God for your recovery and all those who have assisted you. I was glad to hear from Father Glenn again--I enjoy his writing and look forward to more of it in the future. With love and prayers, - Mary, New Jersey

Dear Father Benedict and Friends, A brief message from our small community. Your accident and the "blessings" that have proceeded from it have brought blessings to a troubled world. Let us pray that our country's government will continue to be blessed with hard workers who do not seek the "glory" of their "bygone" days, but keep plugging with their nose to the grindstone, focused on what is really necessary, without looking back except to rectify and clarify. Please keep in your prayers two of our octogenarians, Brother Philip Francis and Brother Joseph Angelo, who have heavy crosses to bear right now. Surely Jesus has their crowns waiting for them, though they are not about to leave our planet yet, thank God. God bless us all and thank you. - Br. Anthony, Tennessee

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