Dear friends of Fr. Benedict,

Today is Tuesday, February 10. Here is the latest update on Fr. Benedict.

"From your lips to God's ear". This simple statement sounds best when spoken with a nod of the head and a Jewish inflection. Being from Brooklyn, I'm familiar with many such sayings which are both pithy yet profound. I offer you this well-worn maxim because I asked the children to pray that Father might begin to breathe better. How wonderful and true it is, "out of the mouths of babes is found perfect praise".

Kids, Father Benedict has a special machine, which helps him breathe. He can breathe, but not on his own yet. It's like when you first started to ride your bike. How many of you used training wheels? I did! But at some point, when you really know how to ride, you take them off and leave them in the garage for your little brother or sister! Well today, the breathing doctor allowed Father to breathe on his own - and without his "training wheels"! Guess how long he did it? One hour! And he didn't fall once! So, let's not forget to thank Jesus and pray, if the doctor allows, that Father will ride on his own tomorrow for two hours!

Today we also had a speech therapist and an assistant come in to help Father Benedict communicate. The assistant is deaf and obviously adept at reading lips; while the therapist knows how to use sign language! Well, "the best laid plans of mice and men" - Father was somewhat "out of it" due to the pain medication. After about fifteen minutes it was evident to everyone that this wasn't the best time. I was disappointed, but am hopeful for round two.

As you might imagine, Father has been concerned about his many responsibilities, which are evidently way out of reach right now. Some of his speaking engagements at conferences and retreats must simply be canceled; but the friars are doing all that they can to help, taking into account their own schedules. I reassured him today that things were going smoothly at Trinity Retreat with Fr. Gene Fulton at the helm; so too at the Good Counsel Homes, which are residences for single mothers which the friars help financially support.

Yesterday I told you about Brother Daniel Marie who, before joining the friars, went from driving tractor-trailers to pushing wheel chairs. Brother Daniel will be flying down to Florida tomorrow accompanied by Father Juniper. On Thursday, Father Joseph and Brother Thomas will say good-bye to the warm weather and head north to enjoy the gray slush of the South Bronx! As Father Benedict's "companion friar", Brother Daniel Marie will be spending many months by Father's side taking care of his physical needs, but I also suspect, his secretarial needs. As soon as Father B gets his voice back, I hope he will have the opportunity and the energy to write you often. As Saint John the Baptist once said: "I must decrease, he must increase"!

I know you are enjoying the e-mail messages as much as I am. God is so good, and His goodness is reflected in so many of His people. I know Father B is uncomfortable hearing many of these messages; but I love reading them. He cringes, I cry. Try saying that with a Jewish accent!

Until tomorrow, if God will. God bless you.

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

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Dear Father Groeschel: This is just a note to asure you that you are in my Masses and prayers. From what I have heard. You are doing well. Please do not try to hurry the convalescence. The Church in New York and across the world needs you. With prayerful best wishes and kindest personal regards.
Edward Cardinal Egan, Archbishop of New York

Dear Father Benedict: Be assured of my continued prayers for your full recovery. It is amazing how many people around this USA, do well as many other countries, are praying for you, Benedict. May our Divine Healer inspire your medical team, as they serve and care for you in His home. Let this scripture below be your motto through this recovery period!!
Bishop Paul V. Dudley, Northfeild, Minnesota
" Rejoice in hope; Be patient under trial; And preserve in prayer " ( Romans 12:12)

Just wanted to wish a speedy recovery and the best of luck. We watch your programs on EWTN (from Europe), you are a real blessing to us all. We love you and EWTN very much! God bless you and the work you're doing!
Angela, Portugal

Dear Father Benedict: We, the Sacramentines, in whose Chapel you have preached many times when we were in Yonkers, are holding you up in daily prayer. We are now living in Scarsdale for some years now as the above address shows. Keep up the good courage. You are "fighting the good fight" and running a formidable race. Our prayers will continue to ascend to the Lord for your complete recovery. God bless you for all you do for the people of God. We love you.
Sr. Mary, Scarsdale, New York

You are in our thoughts and prayers daily. We check the web site almost every day for updates and Fr. Angelus gave us some news today when he called. We have not yet left for Florida. We hope to by end of this week. We will contact the hospital and Brother Daniel when we get down as we will be in the Orlando area the last week of February.
Raymond, Manchester, New Hampshire

Dear Father Benedict - Way to hang in there! KEEP FIGHTING to get well (we need you). Each night we pray for you from our hearts and we know in your suffering, you are praying for us, your unknown but loved flock. I hope when all is said and done, you will INSIST that this wonderful diary and timeline will itself become a literary work. It has helped us be your side in the same way we try to be with Jesus and Mary through the recitation of the Holy Rosary. God bless you and all of your friar brothers.
Alice, Cape Coral, Florida

I continue to pray the Liturgy of the hours for you while you cannot do it yourself.
Jakoba, Canada

Dear Fr Benedict, As someone who has had their life's course and work deeply effected for the better by our meeting and working together while you were in your internship in Psychology at Columbia over thirty years ago I 'm deeply concerned and effected by what has happened to you. Please know that your voice and spirit effects so many and you are much loved and needed in the human community at this time. You are in my prayers and intentions and those of my two children who you baptized.
Mario, Baysid, New York

I was shocked when I knew about your accident. I watch you often on EWTN and find your talks spiritually encouraging. I praise God for such gifts He has given you. I am praying for your fast recovery.
Joseph, Malta

Father, I had not heard of you before getting connected to EWTN. But I am really overwhelmed by the e-mails I have read about you. You are an instrument of God and His will for you has to be accomplished. Please father don't give up because the world needs you so much. Nothing happens to a man of God without a reason. It might be hidden from us now but we shall be able to know the purpose of your pain to the church. I pray for your quick recovery. Courage man of God!
Teresa, Kenya

Send your greetings to Fr. Benedict

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