Dear friends of Fr. Benedict,

Today is Monday, February 16. Here is the latest update on Fr. Benedict.

As always, thank you for "stopping by" and "checking in" on Father Benedict. A person told me on the phone this evening, "You're probably asked a thousand times a day, but how is Father Benedict?" Well, I am not asked that many times, but quite frankly, I don't mind since it gives me an opportunity to say, "please pray for him, he's praying for you".

Father Juniper and Brother Daniel Marie report another "quiet day"; yet there is quiet progress being made in the amount of time Father is spending in the chair and off the respirator. While we spend our day running effortlessly from pillar to post, just getting into and out of his chair is both painful and fatiguing. Of all things, it appears his shoulder causes him the most pain. When we pray the Fourth Sorrowful Mystery sometime today, let's especially pray for Father.

Father Gene Fulton, the director of Trinity Retreat House where Father Benedict both resides and often works, celebrated Mass at Father's side this evening. Of course, being by the side of an ailing patient, there's a lot of small talk just to keep things light and off the obviously sad situation. No doubt Father Gene would avoid telling Father about anything disturbing like plumbing problems or paying bills. Father Gene would, like any of us, say everything was "just fine" and running smoothly. Yet, both priests can play that game and even in a hospital bed, Father B. is brilliant at it!

The friars tell me that despite his pain, Father takes note of everyone who walks into his room. Nurses, aides, even housekeeping personnel - all receive a smile. Those who are foreign-born get his immediate attention. He weakly waves his bandaged arm, and when they walk over, he mouths the words, "Where are you from?" Well, if you're born there, he's been there - Philippines, Haiti, India, even Africa! If you're Irish, watch out, somehow he'll figure out how you're both related! If you're the doctor who scrubs up or the lady who cleans up - it makes no difference - blue collar or blue blood, he'll treat you with the same respect and give you the same attention. This is why so many say, "I'm a friend of Father Benedict".

The friars are making sure all those who are assisting Father know just who they're helping. Few therapists, nursing assistants, or doctors walk away from his room empty-handed. If it's not a book or tape, it's a community newsletter. Evangelization becomes so much a part of a friar's life - it really becomes second nature. As one friar describes it: "sharing Jesus everyday with everyone in every way".

When I was stationed at the novitiate friary in Harlem, I would watch poor, innocent deliverymen or meter readers get caught in what I called, "the Web". They would walk out of the house stunned and smiling - clutching pamphlets, books, and rosaries! It was not unusual to see a novice and a UPS driver kneeling in the chapel. Just guess whose idea it was to drop in for a visit?

Father Benedict has taught us all that while God does not reveal the reasons for illness, accidents or injuries, He can use them for a good purpose - if only we allow Him! How many souls are being saved because of one battered body? We don't know. Yet, simply to know that God can still use him despite his weakness and pain, brings him, I'm sure, great consolation. Yes, despite his suffering he refuses to turn in on himself, sigh and say, "Why me?" No, he turns towards the other, smiles and says, "Where are you from?"

One final note - so many people have asked us about the video clips. They are taken from a video taped last Good Friday which concerns the Church's recent scandals and the hope of resurrection. The young men at the Grassroots Renewal office are working to make this available to you. I'll keep you posted on their progress!

Thank you for your best wishes and promises of prayer for Father; please continue!

Until next time, if God wills. God bless you.

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

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I just saw the latest video clip. Beautiful! It is the best one so far. It is wonderful the way that this has changed from merely an update on Father Benedict, to something of a teaching ministry. Thank you. - Ann, Summit, New Jersey

Dear Peter, love can move mountains and mine are the mightiest in Europe. So, with the mountains of love coming your way, love will bring you back your strength, back to NY, back in time for our reunion! with love from your cousin, - Carol, Switzerland

Dear Father Benidict, Our hearts go out to you. Everyone at EWTN still has you in prayer. You are always mentioned at evening Benidiction too. Thank be to God you were not taken from us. Please come back to our home for hummus! Our door is always open. - Geo, Irondale, Allinios

The most powerful words at the end of the new video clip...."Father Benedict prays for you"...as he needs so many prayers. Thank you for the inspiring, uplifing messages. He is touching so many people in ways he cannot even imagine....May our merciful Father shower Father Benedict with his grace and healing mercies! - Debbie, Netcong, New Jersey

Dear Father Benedict ... I am about to follow you "follow Him!". Unlike you, I do not suffer well. Soon I will undergo a dangerous and difficult surgery and I pray to have the courage, the abandonment to the holy will of God and the ability to use the situation to give good example as you so eloquently do. I pray to be able to say "I am ready for the pain". You see, Father, you are teaching and shepherding even in your agony. I take you to Mass with me and offer my prayers for you. It is an honor and a privilege to offer my surgery for your return to absolute good health and strength! Father Glen ... your magnificent "epistles" speak to my heart in a special way and bring tears of joy! God love you and Mary keep you all! - Vivian, Santa Barbara, California

Hundreds are praying for you in Denver!! We love you very much and we all want you get better. The Padre Pio prayer group in Denver had the mass said for you last First Saturday. I will be going to Padre Pio's tomb during Easter and I will make sure my family prays for you at his tomb in a very special way. Fr. Benedict WE LOVE YOU IN DENVER!! - Louise, Englewood, Colorado

Father, I am a protestant, former resident of Birmingham,Alabma, who watched you faithfully on EWTN until I moved north where the signal is no longer available to me. I still remember your wise counsel and mull it on my drive in to work. Since hearing about your accident I pray for you daily. I know you are well acquainted with the verses that come to my mind but do want you to recall I Peter and II Corinthinas that remind us ours is the "God of all grace" and the "God of all comfort". He does indeed listen and care. We will focus our expectations on His grace and pray for your comfort, strength, and rest. God bless you and keep you. - Erin, Hendersonville, Tennesse

Father B, I came specially on the net to wish and pray for your speedy and full recovery.I remember you, father B,in my prayers and pray to god that you may have a good recovery.Father,this is my second wishes to you and eagarly pray to god that you may have a quick recovery and want to see you back preaching on EWTN. - Armando, India

Somehow there is a peace added to my day by visiting your site. So many with such dependanceand faith in God encourages me to quit slacking in my relationship with Christ. I am blessed even to know that in this culture of death there are MANY who believe in the power of prayer and kindness. I will pray today for patience and strength in the heart of our beloved priest. - Elizabeth, West St Paul, Minnesota

I know I am just a little 70 year old lady from Omaha, Nebraska. I have been reading your E-mails of all the prayers and faith that we have as Blessed Christians and truly we can say "Look at those Christians and how they love one another". I know that God has a little more for you to do Father as he does for me and if it is only a little what more can we ask as we enter is Holy of Holies, Peace, Love and Joy to you Father Benedict. Hope to see my message to you on this computor someday. - Catherine, Omaha

Dear Father Benedict, This is Mullin, I am 11 years old and hope you get well soon. I pray for you every night. Katiee Mullin - Katie, Union, Kentuckey

Send your greetings to Fr. Benedict

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