Dear friends of Fr. Benedict,

Today is Sunday, February 15. Here is the latest update on Fr. Benedict.

Tonight's update will be brief since I am "on the road" returning from a "Mount 2000" weekend. Cardinal Keeler celebrated the concluding Mass which was attended by over two thousand people including over 1500 young people!

Last night I presented a talk about the "Corporal works of Mercy". At the beginning of the talk, I asked the young people to offer one "Hail Mary" for Father Benedict. This they did before the exposed Sacrament which stood on a pyramid of candles in the center of the gymnasium. I told a few of the seminarians that if I received as many prayers as Father Benedict, I would be levitating and glowing in the dark! How wonderful it is to know that not only are we praying for him, but he is also praying for us!

Both Father Juniper and Brother Daniel Marie report that today was a quiet day for Father B. He didn't attempt to get into his "lounge chair"; although Father is a fighter, he does know his limits. In fact, today he said something to a nurse which one rarely hears coming from the lips of Father Benedict. He said, "I don't want to overdue it!" I have known Father for close to thirty years - I have never heard him say this! Well, thank God he knows that even he must respect his limitations. He wants to go home yesterday, but every evening I remind him that we can't make a move without the doctor's "green light".

Today he called the friars over to his bedside; he wanted to pray. He began to pray the Memorare - nine times in a row. Those of you who knew Mother Teresa know that this is her famous "express novena". When she wanted something "pronto", she would gather with her sisters and pray this prayer. Now, I'm not a mind reader, but I suspect Father B. had one ear turned toward the phone hoping it was his doctor who would say, "Father Benedict, start packin'". On the other hand, he might have been praying to receive a special grace for patience - which he needed real quick!

Father was off the respirator twice today for two one-hour stretches. In time, he will be breathing with no assistance. When he can breathe on his own, he will receive a smaller trach that will allow him to speak. We will, at that time, consider moving him back to New York. In the meantime, thank you for your prayers. Remember, small, sincere prayers do not mean small results! One "Hail Mary" from the heart can move mountains; when, of course, our Maker gives the green light!

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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My bestwishes for a speedy recovery for Fr. Benedict. I watch him regularly on EWTN and find that he is not only a great preacher but a wise and entertaining counsel. - Luther, Bahamas

Dear Father Benedict,I have been praying for you. We hope to return to the Bronx to help you distribute food to the poor. You are in our prayers. - Estela, Corpus Christi, Texas

Dear Fr. Benedict, my husband and I have been faithful EWTN viewers and visitors for years. We have followed, enjoyed and been challenged by your programs, sermons and great faith. Each time I open up the CFR homepage and click on the page to check on your recovery I read and listen and tears fall down my face in gratefulness to God for His love and faithfulness to us all. Please know that we are praying for all of you daily. I will be offering up my Mass today for your continued recovery. God Bless You. - Cathy, Appleton, Wisconsin

Dear FR Benedict, I am writing to tell you to get better soon I have never met you,but I love to listen to listen to your no nonsense talk on EWTN,I just want to let you know that you are in my humble prayers. May God Bless you,may Mother MARY keep her mantle wrapped around you. P.S May you get to heaven at least a have an hour before the devil knows your there. - Margo, Ireland

Happy Valentine's Day to Father Benedict and all who are serving our Lord with him. I was just reading the latest news on Father and heard him talking about love, "Love is when we give ourselves to someone". Father has given his life and love to Christ, and by serving Him, has served us so well. I thank God on this day of recollection of Love in our lives for the gift of Christ and for Christ's servant, Father Benedict. How we are blessed to have Father Benedict to show the "way of Love." I pray for your recovery and your ministry. - Kathy, East Haddam, Conneticut

Fr. Benedict I too am joining others with my prayers intentions for your recovery. I lift you up to God to heal you and bring you back to us but we accept whatever God wishes. But we are sure that whatever God does is perfect and that he loves us above all things. - Connie, Malta

I love to read all the messages of love to a wonderful priest full of love. so wonderful and what a witness of joy. - Veronica., Australia

Living as we do almost on the top of the world, we’ve already gained three hours’ daylight since the winter solistice - nearly half of it since your accident! It so good to hear that the light is coming back also into your eye as the days go by. Each day, when we come upstairs after Matins to read Fr. Glenn’s latest letter, it acts almost as a Third Reading for the Office! Not only have they kept you in our love and our prayers, but they’ve also been a great inspiration for us. Thank you and ”god bedring” (good bettering) as they say here. - Sr. Elaine, Norway

Hi Father, I remembered you to the Lord at my Holy Hour today. I took my 7 year old and asked him to pray for you. On the way home, the local Catholic radio station was playing one of your talks. My son looked at me wide eyed, "He can talk already!" I told him it was a recording of your voice. I know he is praying for you, I am, God bless, Suzanne p.s. We live in the Pacific NW for 25 years now but we come from central New Jersey. I heard you speak at a Marian conference out here, it was so good just to hear the accent! - Suzanne, Auburn, Washington

Your Knights of Columbus brothers and their families have you in their hearts and prayers. Come back home soon. - Robert , Brooklyn, New York

Send your greetings to Fr. Benedict

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