Dear friends of Fr. Benedict,

Today is Thursday, February 12. Here is the latest update on Fr. Benedict.

"It is the beginning of a long difficult journey for Father, and as hard as it is for him, it will be harder for those of you who can only watch. Watch and wish that somehow you could carry some of the pain. Taking each of those first agonizing steps with him, trying to find the right words to make it easier, and knowing no such words exist…"

These words are taken from a letter I received from Margaret B., who was kind enough to write and tell me about her brother who was involved in a near fatal auto accident and was admitted to the same trauma care unit Father Benedict is in right now. She writes: "...I wasn't sure my brother would survive the night. Today, except for physical therapy on his right arm, he is in good health. To look at him you could never guess what happened. My wish and prayers for you is that you are quickly able to say that about Father Benedict."

Well Margaret, perhaps nothing is happening "quickly", but is appears that Father Benedict is following in the footsteps of your brother. I am happy to announce that today marks the day of Father's first footstep! Instead of lifting him out of bed by his bed sheets, he was slowly eased out of bed as he gingerly placed one foot on the floor, then pivoted into the "Easy-Boy" chair adjacent to his bed. "One small step for Father, one giant leap for the world!"

Father Juniper tells me that the staples were taken out of his elbow and the sling off his shoulder. "His color looked great today, the swelling in his arm is down, and he's alert enough to read a bit of the newspaper". I could just see Father sitting up in his chair looking like he's on vacation on the deck of a cruise ship! Despite his good progress, I'm sure he feels like he's hanging on the side of a lifeboat. Yet, from what everyone witnesses, he's not just hanging on, he's struggling to swing himself on board!

Fr. Juniper is amazed at just how attentive Father is to every person who comes into his room. Although he is injured, he's interested. Here is an aspect of his personhood which has not diminished an iota since the accident. This virtue of selflessness reminds me of the Holy Father who, after his assassination attempt, was very concerned about the people in the crowd who were injured with him.

Father had a special visit today from the nurse who sat by his side as he was transported from the accident scene to the hospital - by helicopter! Until today, a number of us, including Father, didn't know he was brought to the hospital by air. Remembering the night of the accident, she said his recovery was miraculous. With this, Father immediately mouthed the words "medal" to Father Juniper. "Medal", he thought, "what medal?" Father mouthed the word, again and again; finally it struck Father Juniper who turned to Father and asked: "Miraculous Medal"? Father B. raised his eyebrows and nodded his head. Father Juniper quickly gave her a medal; then again saw Father Benedict trying to say something. After a few attempts to understand, it all became clear - he was saying, actually praying: "O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to Thee".

Together with Fr. Benedict, we are all thankful for Mary's intercession and thankful to God that this day we witnessed a small step to Father's full recovery. Like birth itself, some miracles go slowly. We are grateful to have the privilege of witnessing this drama of hope - and doing this together.

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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Within the last few weeks I have been visiting your website and I hope that I too will be brave when the cross is placed on my shoulder. May Jesus and Mary shield you in their wounds - Niall, Ireland

Dear Fr. Benedict.. I happened to click onto this as a friend of mine sent me your website.. Amazing that you have touched so many lives... I am interested in hearing more and reading more about you, so hang in there. It sounds like the Lord has His hands on you and that you will rise above this, and as usual, the glory of God will be seen through it. God bless you and I will pray for you.. - Kathrine, Mishawaka, Indiana

My 6 year old son and I pray for you nightly. I know that the Lord hears the the prays of the children. My son is always asking if you are getting better. He believes that his prayers will work. I am learning from my child's childlike faith. I am learning how to be more childlike in my faith. Please get well. We will continue to pray. - Kathy, Bay Village, Ohio

Dear Father Benedict, everytime when I call you, you have an open ear and a good council. Thank you. I pray for you ! - Father Karl , Germany

Hi Fr. Groeschel, I continue to check on you every day. I love hearing how you roll your eyes or cringe when a complimentary message is read to you --- when I envision that, it makes me laugh. It still amazes me, daily, to read all the beautiful messages and stories from people around the globe. All this LOVE just in time for Valentines Day. May you get many roses from heaven from your friend, St. Teresa. I pray for your SPEEDY recovery (I'm not a very patient person, still working on that). Love and God Bless You! - Noreen, Seaford, New York

Dear father Benedict.- Today we will begin our essays for the representation of Via-Crucis with children. We are Mexicans, and you are always in our minds and prayers,... because of you, we try always to be the best,in our daily living. God bless you and all who are near you. - Yoya, Mexico

From France, I send you all my faithful thoughts and keep on praying for your complete recovery, dear Father. In every silent talk with the Lord and every mass I attend, I ask Him that He blessed you...Thank you so much for being such a Christ follower. - Nicolas, France

Dear Father Benedict, Greetings and love from Kansas. We are Lutherans, but consider ourselves far more Catholic than Lutheran, thanks to you and EWTN! We have watched you for about 7 years on EWTN, and you are such a special member of our family...when we first heard that a priest had been hit by a car, we didn't hear who it was...then my phone rang and it was my mother in tears..."It was Father Benedict". Prayers have gone out for you daily since then. We just received your tapes on Hope and are looking forward to "soaking them in!". Thank you so much for sharing Christ's love with us. They said that you "cringe" when they read you some of the complimentary e-mails...isn't that just like you, to be so humble! We love you, and eagerly check for your progress every day on the internet! Prayers continually, and love from us! - Rebecca, Arkansas City, Kansas

Hello Fr. Benedict!!! I want to witness that we know about your ministry and love! There in Lithuania, I pray for you! Thanks God that you are! - Emilis, Lithuania

We are praying for you in Baghdad. As a convert, I have been touched greatly by you and your ministry and I am praying for your full recovery. St. Francis, pray for us and for Father Benedict. - Brian , Iraq

Dear Father Benedict, I am so happy that everyday finds you feeling a wee bit stronger.Praise God! Today , on the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, I commend you to her maternal care. God Bless You! - Christine, Afghanistan

Send your greetings to Fr. Benedict

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