Dear friends of Fr. Benedict,

Today is Friday, February 13. Here is the latest update on Fr. Benedict.

"…He looked up to heaven and groaned, and said to him, "Ephphatha"; that is, "Be opened!" And immediately…his speech impediment was removed, and he spoke plainly."

This slightly edited portion from today's gospel from the 7th chapter of Saint Mark certainly must have stood out as Father Benedict lay listening on his bed during this morning's Mass. No doubt, Father could only hope his healing would be so rapid. As I mentioned in yesterday's report, some miracles take their time. Of course, God has the power to do things according to our stopwatch, but He chooses to do things according to His plan, in His time, and for His reasons.

Br. Daniel Marie, Father Benedict's companion, reported to me today a "miracle" which happened through his hands. Yesterday, he was asked by a nurse to visit a patient who was experiencing difficulties after surgery to his skull. Simply put, the bleeding just would not stop; bandage after bandage was being applied during the course of the day.

The parents of the young man were not Catholic, but they believed in Jesus. Brother Daniel visited this man while his parents were at his bedside and explained to them about the intercession of the saints, etc… Br. Daniel prayed to Our Lord and, asking the intercession of Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta, applied the relic to his bandaged head. Stopping by the room today, Brother Daniel met the young man's ecstatic parents. "They thanked me 650 times!" he told me.

We know such a "miracle" is far from official and probably wouldn't pass the severe scrutiny of Vatican officials. Yet, for the two parents and one son, they met a real miracle! For natural and super-natural miracles, we must be ever grateful!

Father Benedict sat once again in his chair today; although he must be careful as his elbow is developing a sore that the doctor is keeping a close eye on. He was taken off the respirator for two periods today - keep praying kids!

Father B has a strong will and little patience when it comes to wasting time, so he's going to push himself. He's a man with determination - a fighter! I can hear him say, "Hey, I'm from Jersey City, what do you expect?"

Thank you for your e-mail greetings. They continue to be an inspiration to Fr. Benedict and to all of us.

I am writing this report from Emmetsburg, Maryland where I am attending a large Eucharistic retreat weekend. We're expecting hundreds of young people. As we spend this weekend gathered around our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, I will ask them to pray for Father Benedict and each of you. We're all in 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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Dear Father Benedict Groeschel I am greatful to God that he is answering are prayer for you to get better.Praise God.I told God that we still need you that I Love you because you teach us truth.There are many prayers group in and around schenectady that pray for your healing.We offer our rosaries and chaplets up for you.On Tuesday we pray before The Blessed Sacrament for you. - Etta, Schenectady, New York

I now have a tissue box beside my computer monitor. Why, you might ask? Everyday, as I pray for you and read the emails sent to you, I cry and cry. Not from sadness, but from joy. That you are so loved and have touched so many lives ALL OVER THE WORLD!!! The unity of the Body in the bond of peace...Please don't be embarrased by our love for you! Your suffering has brought us all to the foot of the cross to join in petitions to our Father to be merciful to you and to heal you. Our unity in this blesses Him! So, you do continue to be his humble servant, even in this. We love you Fr. B.!!! Get well soon. - Joy, Indianapolis, Indiana

I was so sorry to learn of Father Benedict Groeschel's accident and my worst fear was that we would never hear his gentle voice again. Thank God he is recovering slowly but surely. His is a voice that I would never tire of listening to and therefore his message has all the more impact. I wish him well and a full recovery so that we may hear him again soon. - Tony, Ireland

Dear Father Benedict, Get well soon. May God Bless you and your doctors and nurses. We will pray for you in our cenacle. - Crisanto, Philppines

I offer my praires today, friday 13/2 2004, for you. - Kent , Sweden

I've only been a Confirmed Catholic since the year 2000 (I'm now 60) Between you and Mother Angelica I have learned more about our Faith and Living our Faith than from any other media. Thank You. Why, because the pair of you tell it like it is. No hedging or beating around the bush. Yes, you tell it; but then you explain why. Keep fighting old Toot. Your not finished teaching yet. With much love and respect. - Meredith, Little Rock, Arizona

Dear Fr. Benedict: I've been trying to give up smoking for 20 years. Yesterday on the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes I was able to offer it up for your recovery. THANK YOU FOR BREAKING THE CHAIN OF ADDICTION! God bless your heart, - Lynn, Alexandria, VA

Fr. Benedict Your struggle has been is an inspiration to people all over the world. We go to the web site each day to read how much you are improving. You are truly being looked after by Our Lord and our Mother. God bless you. - Susan, Australia

Father Benedict' You now are in the ranks with St. Nicholas. I was sitting at my computer viewing the video clip and listening to your words when ny 3 yr. old grandson Andrew came to watch with me. He said so quietly and reverently, "there is Santa Claus."I like Santa Claus." Please know that I am praying for you'. - Mary, Omaha, Nebraska

Dear Father Benedict, Hi. This is your little friend Anne Therese.I'm 4 years old.I pray for you everyday with the prayer that Fr. Glen gave us. I hope you get better soon. I love you and miss you. - Anne Therese, Mountain Top, Pennsylvania

Dear Father Benedict, Lord, have mercy. Father Glenn told us that he understood that you were nodding as he spoke to you, and wrote a beautiful message relating that to our silent relationship with God, and all its wonder. What was so charming is that as I read this message , I, myself, was nodding. Father Glenn can't hear or see me, but I communicate through this internet page everyday with him, silently. What a wonderful lesson and how timely and relevant. I will cherish the silent relationship I have with Jesus, knowing He is always there, at my side. I will pray for your recovery knowing that He is listening. May God bless and keep you , always. Yours in Christ, - Charlotte, Chariton, IA

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