Today is Wednesday, February 4. Here is the latest update on Fr. Benedict.

Although there was no official proclamation, formal gathering to say good-bye, or farewell speeches, Father Benedict was quietly and unceremoniously moved out of the Surgical Intensive Care Unit and into a Progressive Care Unit. His condition for the past three weeks has been soberly called "critical yet stable". Today, Father is simply "stable". Although Father is himself in no position (quite literally!) to celebrate, we can run to the refrigerator and find something to pour into a few glasses and say, "Cheers"! While Father is still on his back, terribly uncomfortable, and understandably frustrated, by your prayers and God's mercy, we have many reasons to believe Father will indeed survive his unexpected ordeal. I've been haunted by that word "critical" for weeks now. May we never hear it again!

The friars tried to keep Father's spirits up; even holy people can fall into discouragement. The physical therapists are slowly flexing fingers, feet, and toes. No moans, but a grimace reveals the pain. It will be a slow - very slow recovery. Yet, as we continue to pray we do see progress. Being off the ventilator for only half an hour was exhausting, yet it did not prevent Father from being attentive at Mass. Since Father cannot receive the Precious Body of the Lord, the Sacred Host is dipped in the Precious Blood and touched to his lips. Father celebrates the Mass lying on his back with the stole of his friend, Cardinal Cooke, draped across his chest. The friars say Father mouths the words of the Mass, especially the consecration, very distinctly. Father Luke tells me the Mass is "very peaceful and very moving."

I believe Father Benedict would want me to share these words with you. They are taken from a letter of Saint Padre Pio to Margherita Trescia written on August 13, 1918. They are applicable not only to Father B but to each of us.

Tomorrow, Father Luke and Brother Shawn will be heading home to New York. Br. Sharbel will remain behind to welcome Fr. Joseph and Br. Thomas who will spend one week by Father's side.

Some of you understandably want to send Father cards or gifts, perhaps even visit. Please, kindly refrain. Father enjoys the E-mail and will be reading all of them. Visits at this time will be limited to our community members.

Until tomorrow, if God wills. God bless you.

Fr. Glenn Sudano, C.F.R.
Community Servant (superior)
Franciscan Friars of the Renewal

__________________________________________________________________________________

Dear Fr. Benedict, One of your greatest God-given gifts is your ability to be present to each person when you walk into a crowd. May you know that you are present to us at this time and that we are with you in prayer for your recovery. From one of your many indebted souls, - Fr. Bill, W Peoria, Illinois

Dear Fr Benedict: The first thing we do every day is to read Fr Sudano's update. It helps us to pray more specifically for you. Our dear friend, Fr Hugh Grace from Saugerties, NY was here for a visit last week & it was natural that we would be sharing stories about you. He, knowing you through retreats, etc & my husband from having worked with you years ago at Children Village. Good memories from good times! We pray everyday for your continued recovery - & we thank you that in this crazy world where truth is not always recognizable you always have the courage to preach the truth - no sugarcoating! Like Jesus you love us enough to do so. Our love & our prayers will continue for you as long as you need them and then some. - Dolores, St Petersburg, Florida

My son Juan Pablo told me about Fr. Benedict. I live in Cali, Colombia, South America but my son lives in Norfolk, Va. and had been very close to the Franciscanos. I offer my prayers for you and I know God will take real good care of you and all the friars. Godspeed - Maria, Columbia

Dear Fr Benedict, it is for me a great joy to inter in the web siede of the Franciscan friars and to be able to speak and to great you in the name of God. I would like to thank God how have inspire you to bring out this branch of poverty and concentrated life. I would like to thank you also because you have opened your heart to welcome this call of God ad to anser positively for it. I pray that may God give you and to all your fraters and brothers all the graces you need to go forward with this holy way he have chosen for you. I would like to be link with you and to now more about your life and the modalities to live a poor brother life. I am a young boy from Africa and I hope that this spirit of Franciscan is need in our church in Africa. May God bless you and all your brothers. - Fonkoa, Germany

Dear Fr Benedict, When I found out from a friend of your accident, I was devastated. But again, I put my TRUST in the Good Lord. The Blessed Mother is taking care of you. - Cynthia, Australia

I send special greetings to Fr. Benedict, assuring him of my prayers. I also think about the driver of the car that caused the accident. May he receive God's blessing from this "unfortunate" happening. It is very true that God works through means that we cannot imagine. - Fra Dufe, Cameroon

My prayers are with you. God Bless you - Helen, Belgium

Hello Fr.Benedict, my mother was watching the mass on TV & she new about what happened to you. We are praying for your God speedy recovery. Get well soon Father. - Maria, Philippines

Comments/Questions: Dear Fr. Benedict, I've been staying up til 1am every night to hear about your progress. I'm very happy that they are trying to wean you from the respirator inspite of your problem last week. I can't even begin to imagine how much pain you are in. I hope the morphine helps. I've been listening to your tapes since 1992 and on EWTN since 1996.You've helped me so much. Now it's time for me to give to you. You are in my prayers,Adoration,and Masses. I hope you will be off the respirator soon. It'll be a long road but I would love to see you at a conference when you're better. As I said I hope the morphine is working. - Claire, New Bedford, Massachusetts

Dearest Father Benedict: Has anyone given you chicken soup yet? How do they expect you to get well without it?! :) How deeply you are loved. How MUCH you have given to the sheep of God--sheep of every age, race, vocation and faith, including this Jewish convert. And how much we need you still. I am so very grateful for your life, for your teaching, your example, and your very Jewish accent and heart! I have entrusted you daily to the hearts of our Lord and His Mother, knowing that God works all things together for good for those who love Him and who are called according to His purpose. We who love you, and who love God for giving you to us, pray that it will be His purpose to restore you to health soon and for as many years as possible this side of Heaven. With ongoing prayer, love, and thanksgiving - Rosalind, La Mesa, California

Dear Fr. Benedict, You gave the Maryknoll Fathers a wonderful retreat here in Seoul some years ago. We are in solidatity of prayer with you here during your illness. We pray for your quick recovery. - Gerry, South Korea

I am a US military reserve solider stationed in Saudi Arabia, and I heard about Fr. Benedict and everything all the way over here and I want you to know that I am praying for you often and I am praying that you will get heal quickly!! May the Lord bless you and keep you, and may the peace of Christ be with you all the days of your life. - Samantha, United States

Send your greetings to Fr. Benedict

FastCounter by bCentral