Today is Saturday, February 7. Here is the latest update on Fr. Benedict.

"Father, it was a very beautiful day today, very prayerful. His face was radiant today, almost glowing." This was the wonderful description given to me by Father Gene Fulton, close friend and co-worker of Father Benedict at Trinity Retreat House located in Larchmont, New York. Father Gene is the director of Trinity Retreat, who with Father Benedict labors daily for the spiritual enrichment of clergy and religious. In recent years, Trinity Retreat has opened its doors to small groups of laity and parish groups on a limited basis.

Nestled, in fact almost hidden, on the edge of a scenic inlet, this retreat has been a peaceful "home away from home" for thousands of clergy and religious since it opened by Cardinal Cooke's mandate in 1975. He chose Father Benedict, at that time a Capuchin friar, to plant the seed and nurture this most necessary and fledging apostolate. Father Benedict has been there ever since. Despite his request to reside closer to the poor, cardinal after cardinal has manifested God's will - stay at Trinity and serve my clergy! Father Benedict quips, "most people would give their right arm to live here, and here I am unable to get out!" (can't you just hear him say that!)

When Father Benedict was able to communicate in a cryptic fashion, he mouthed the name, "Father Gene" to one of the brothers. "Do you want him to come down and visit?" he was asked. The answer was easily understood - a deep definitive nod of the head. So, today Father Gene stood at his friend's side, talking, praying, and just being there. When Father Gene arrived, Father B beamed and mouthed the words, "Thank you". Father Gene was a bit taken back and said, "Father, thank you for what?" The answer was very touching, as it was very silent: "For you".

Of course, Holy Mass was the high point of the day. Once again, Cardinal Cooke's stole was draped over Father's chest as he concelebrated from his hospital bed. Today it bore an even greater significance since both of these "priestly priests" are fulfilling Cardinal Cooke's desires in serving the spiritual needs of the clergy of the archdiocese and beyond. Through the efforts of Father Benedict, along with devoted religious and laity, the beloved cardinal now bears the title "Servant of God" and his cause is steadily moving towards canonization.

The doctors have not suggested, but rather promised Father that his therapy will be very, very painful. Even today, one day after a (thank God) successful surgery, the therapist was gingerly working on Father's arm. Before the therapist began her regimen, she turned to Father and said with the utmost respect, "Father, this is going to be painful". What was Father B's response? "I am ready for the pain".

"I am ready for the pain". How many times have I said that in my life? Never. What about yourself? No doubt all of us would have done better in life if we could say to the Lord, "I am ready for the pain". Perhaps things would have turned out for the good if we didn't wimp out and whine like a six-year-old.

This is, no doubt, Father's Golgotha. He knows that. While he lies flat on a cross in the shape of a mattress, he says, "Thank you" to a friend - that's the working of Divine grace. Yet I also know that he is saying this to all his friends - to each of you - "thank you for being with me, thank you for not forgetting me, thank you for helping me carry my cross".

So, the next time we feel the cool dark shadow of a cross loom over us, be it a person, place or thing, let us be resolved to say the same, "I am ready for the pain". Father B, rest well. Tomorrow the cross will be there, and so will we.

Until tomorrow, if God wills. God bless you.

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

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Dear Fr. Benedict, Blessings! Our Missionaries of the Poor in Haiti, India, Philippines, Uganda and Jamaica have been praying for you unceasingly. We remember your visit, your talks, your extraordinary generosity and your love for the poor. God has made you a special man and you are close to His heart. We pray for you seriously and profoundly. We wish you God's love and special care. We want to thank Father Glenn for keeping us update. You and your men are always welcome to visit and stay with us. - Fr. Richard Ho Lung, Missionaries of the Poor

Shocked to hear of your accident. We were inspired by your preaching in Church of the Holy Family, Kill O' the Grange, here in Dublin only a short time ago. May God grant you a speedy and full recovery. - Brendan, Ireland

The Oratory of Divine Love weekly readings starting on Feb. 9th have an error when clicking on the date and will not display the readings. Unable to contact anyone about the Oratory of Divine Love. Hope this can be remedied before Monday, Feb. 9th. Thank you. Keeping Fr. Groeschel in our prayers. - Mary, Colville, Washington

Dear Fr Benedict, I don't know how many are praying for you from the tiny Island of Malta, but I am. I hope God doesn't mind me giving Him a couple of orders!!! May God bless you and Mother Mary keep you in her caring arms. Get well soon! - Mark, Malta

Dearest Fr.Benedict,our family is praying for your complete recovery.We love you and we listen to your tapes and your programs on EWTN.Like Jesus, I believe that you are suffering for the conversion of sinners in the world. The sinners that you love so much. Your pain will not be in vain.God bless. - Nuala, Grenada

Dear Father Benedict; Thank you so much for your life of dedication. I love your programs, your humor and love reach out to us. I pray for your continued improvement and your return to all of us. You and Mother Angelica have truly assisted me on the return to the church. - Marylou, Mesa, Arizona

Dear Father Benedict, I prayed the prayer at the end of today's message on how you are doing. I am 6 years old and I go to kindergarten at St. Luke's Elementary School. My sister Nicole prayed too. My whole family prays for you that you will get better. - Julie, Stockton, California

I am a parishioner of Most Holy Trinity in Yonkers where St. Felix Friary is located. I have grown to truly love the brothers and priests there. I have never met you, but I know you are a holy man and a true disciple of Jesus Christ and I believe Jesus and His Blessed Mother will see you through this so you can continue His work. May the Holy Spirit give you strength and peace. - Marilyn, Yonkers, New York

Dear Father Benedict, You may not know me, but I feel like I’ve known you for years!!! When I met you with my wife Denise, I went up to you and asked how you were doing, and awaited an insightful reply and to my amazement, you said “ OLD, TIRED, AND DECREPIT!!”….. I think that’s what I love about you the most. Not only do you have one of the most brilliant minds I have ever heard, there is a refreshing humility about you that draws one near…Well, just like Fr Glenn asked, I asked our children at our children’s Rosary group to all pray for you tonight…. I have a great feeling about your full recovery Father…God Bless you and may Mary keep you close to her Son… - Paul, Melville, New York

Dear Father Benedict,Your ministry has helped me greatly as I journeyed from a Baptist background to the Church. You grounded me and are my spiritual father. May God bless you and give you peace and healing. You are in our prayers. - Linda, Racine, Wisconsin

Send your greetings to Fr. Benedict

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