Dear friends of Fr. Benedict,

Today is Wednesday, February 18. Here is the latest update on Fr. Benedict.

No doubt you have been in a place where you just did not want to be. It could be sitting white knuckling a dentist chair, being cornered at a party by a drunken in-law, or stuck in a long line of traffic on a so-called "expressway". Well, I suspect this is how Father Benedict feels right now - anxious, frustrated, perhaps bored. As I mentioned yesterday, he is packing his things, although he can't get out of bed.

Isn't it odd the word "patient" and "patience" sound alike? Well it's not odd at all because both words derive from the Greek word "pati" which means "to suffer". In Latin, the word is "passio", where we get the word "passion". A number of you have sent wonderful E-mails to Father Benedict reminding him that he is participating in Our Lord's passion. While Father almost physically resembles Christ crucified laying there with his wounded head, hand, and shoulder, his real suffering may be deep inside and not overtly dramatic. Father Benedict is a missionary who cannot move, a teacher without a student, a preacher with no voice, and a prolific writer who can't hold a pen.

Today, the doctor told Brother Daniel Marie, "His impatience may be his greatest gift. Much younger men simply give up and never get better." There is no doubt we're dealing with someone who has the desire to live. While impatient patients might make things tough for the caregiver, consider the opposite direction: lethargy, depression, perhaps even an early death. We all know at least one elderly married couple who, after one dies, the other soon follows. They let go of life.

Plans for Father Benedict to be transferred up to New York are presently "set in sand". "Hurry up and wait" may be the name of the game. It could be as early as Friday and as late as next week. Airlifting Father to New York is being planned; although expensive, at this point we don't want to nickel and dime the situation. Besides, so many of you have been generous in helping with friars' plane fares to Florida, some of which we now don't have to schedule.

I'm sorry to say that I cannot post an update tomorrow night. I have asked Joe to post some of the wonderful messages he's been receiving - hundreds a day! Next week I must be away giving the novices their retreat before professing their vows on March 1st. Let's see if I can work some magic via phone or fax.

So, thank you for "stopping by" Father's room. You may have noticed Father slightly smiling and a suitcase sitting in the corner labeled, "To: New York".

O Mother of God, never will we forget this wonderful work of mercy; this ongoing drama of hope. Amen.

Until Friday, 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 Fr. Benedict, On my way to work this morning I had the opportunity to reach out to a homeless, hungry young woman on her way to NY to find shelter. In addition to some cash and the lunch I had with me, I was able to give her your booklet, "You Are Not Alone, Prayers for Dark Times" which I had been carrying around. She was so grateful and thanked me--can you imagine? I said, no, thank you! I wanted you to know that you're still here, ministering to the people of NY--your words of comfort are now in the hands of that young woman. And I'm thrilled to hear that you were off the respirator for seven hours. God willing, I hope you will be home soon. I'll pass along the words of the woman upon receiving your booklet--"It's just the right message--God bless you!" - Mary, Jersey City, New Jersey

Dear. F.Benedict. Please stay a little more in Florida, they love you,...and N.Y. is very cold,.. even if you are used to it, is not convenient now. Mexican children and me are always praying for you, we are having our Via-crucis next Feb.27., we will remember you. Thanks Fr. Glenn and every one, for your information. - Yoya, Mexico

Dear Father B, How frustrating it is to remain in bed, I share your pain, having been in bed for months after a car accident. This WE, I followed a retreat based on the treaty against heresy written by Sint Irénée. In the process of human salvation, it striked me how crucial is the wood being brought back to life by Jesus on the Cross and how as much important in that salvation process, is the Fiat said by Mary, her obedience to the Lord. I continue to pray for you Father Benedict, wishing you a very very speedy recovery, if speedy is our Lord's will. - Anne, Belgium

Dearest Fr. Benedict, Your suffering has brought me closer to God. I am going to Mass in the early mornings before work. Your pictures keeps me company in my office and every evening as I lay down I read Fr. Sudano's letters. I am a better person thanks to you. You bring me closer to God and my prayers are with you. I am selfish...I want you to stay with us longer. I know we are all on "borrowed" time but God willing, He shall continue to share you with us. - Elena, Alexandria, Virginia

Dear father benedict, our little 3 yr. old, isabella sits on my lap and watches and hears your voice as i read fr. glens daily updates. today she said "is father ben still sick?" i told her "yes", and she said "here, i'm pressing this button to make him all better"! if only it were that easy, but her wishes are "easy" and i know our God smiles on her as she prays each day for you! we love you! - Teri, Bradenton, Florida

Father Benedict, I love you. Thank you for being Jesus' representative on earth during my lifetime. - Susan, Alliance, Ohio

Despite only knowing Fr Benedict through videos of EWTN, since his accident I have to check your website every day. I find the beautiful messages of practical charity both from Fr B's suffering and slowly mending body, and the Franciscan community's support and outreach within the hospital are so inspiring. It is incredible to see where all the emails come from. Truly, this is the Power of One in action! One God, and one faithful servant .. showing us the Way! and the website is getting better and better. Thank you for making it possible for us all over the world to keep in touch and pray together for and with Father Benedict. - Veronica, Australia

Fr Benedict- When I heard of your accident on my car radio it felt like somebody had punched me right in the gut. Until that moment I had taken your presence among us for granted--what a wake-up call for me! I've listened to your programs since I was a teenager, I'm now 30 and raising my own family. Thank you for all those years of teaching, may I never take them for granted again. I pray for your recovery...I told God that we still need you down here, I hope He feels the same! Yours in Christ. - Phil, Coupeville, Washington

Dear Father Benedict, I have seen you on EWTN and I only read about your accident in one of our local papers recently. I thank the Lord that you are at least "out of danger". Rest assured that I will remember you in my daily prayers, rosary recitations and this Friday's Holy Hour before the Blessed Sacrament.I praise the Lord once more for saving your life and may He strengthen your health to full recovery. - Erica, Malaysia

padre le envio un saludo escribame porfavor - Edwin, Columbia

Dear Fr. Benedict, Please know that the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus from St. Joseph Convent in Chinatown, are praying for you. God bless you. In the Sacred Heart of Jesus. - Sr. Deborah , Sr. Alice ,Sr. Rita , New York

As converts to catholicism we have often recommended your books and videos through our family apostolate of distributing good Catholic materials. Thankyou for helping many of us through our personal way of the cross. We now pray for strength for you and all who are involved in your care. - Linda, Canada

Benedict -- I think God is keeping you silent until Ash Wedneday. / I almost came to see you this past Friday. I was planning to arrive, figuring the brothers wouldn't have the nerve to turn the rabbi away from your hospital bed. But God didn't want me to visit you yet. There was not one seat to be had on the airlines. I will try again later in the season, though it would be easier on all of us if you would get out of Orlando and get back to New York. / In any case, my friend, know that I get up every morning and study the mystical text of the Zohar for your recovery and recite a mystical Psalm for you. We also say prayers for you. Since I don't know your Hebrew name, we have named you "Abba Barukh." Blessings to you. - Rabbi David

Send your greetings to Fr. Benedict

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