Dear friends of Fr. Benedict,

Today is Tuesday, February 24. Here is the latest update on Fr. Benedict.

Thank you for once again visiting Father.

Brother Daniel and Brother Peter report that Father Benedict had a good day; yet he is running a slight fever and easily gets fatigued. He is getting very good help and is more comfortable now as he has a special air mattress which helps prevent bed sores. Father Richard and Father Luke stopped by today for a brief visit. They report that Father appears well; yet they think the length of his road to recovery may be longer than everyone had expected. Father Benedict made some comments about purgatory which indicates he is suffering more than it appears. When Father Richard asked him if he wanted to receive ashes tomorrow, he replied, "I don't need ashes." They chuckled; but he wasn't smiling. On a similar but lighter note, when I called the hospital room this evening, I asked Br. Peter if Father wanted to tell me anything. Brother Peter left to relay my message, and then came back with "Fr. Benedict says he's trying to figure out what to give up for Lent"!

It's true Fr. Benedict doesn't need ashes; although I am sure he will be receiving them. It's easy to wear a cross one one's forehead; it's more difficult to bear one in your body. So, tomorrow when we receive that sacred sign, let us remember those who carry the cross inside, suffering in mind, body, or spirit. As one popular preacher often says, "Suffering makes some people bitter, and others better." One thing is certain, our father and friend is far from becoming bitter.

Joe and Chuck from the Grassroots office paid Father a visit today and brought a laptop computer to show him the video clips you have been enjoying. As you might imagine, Father does not like seeing himself on television and so they wondered what his reaction might be. Joe tells me he was delighted and very happy that the work of the Grassroots evangelization project was still moving along nicely. He was also pleased that the Good Friday video was ready. Before they left and after he gave them the final blessing, Father picked up his fist and mouthed the words "push on".

So that's what we'll do as we enter into this Lenten season - push on! Let us continue to keep Fr. Benedict in prayer. Unlike us, he doesn't need to give up anything up for Lent; he's offering himself. In our own way and in our own sufferings, let us do the same.

Until next time, if God wills.

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

Click here to visit the Grassroots Renewal Website

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Father, I have been praying for you everyday since I heard of your accident. I faithfully listened to you on Sunday nights. Your messages have meant so much to me this past year. I lost my husband in December 2002 and have been having a very bad time. My faith tells me he is sitting at the table with Jesus. He was just confirmed a Catholic in 1999. God be with you.... - Maureen, Brewerton, New York

Fr. Benedict, thank you for all you do and have done. Your talks, which I have heard through the archives on the EWTN web site, have changed my life. I converted to Catholicism in 2002; EWTN was very instrumental in my coming into the Church, and YOU are an integral part of that. I owe you so much. THANK YOU! ¡GRACIAS! All things will be well! - Robin, Mexico City

Father, you have taught that God permits suffering to bring about a greater good. I can imagine the suffering that you are experiencing right now and how this suffering will lead me, a great sinner, to salvation. But here is my prediction...I see a new book from you on the redemptive and healing POWER of suffering. I can't wait to read it! - Michael, Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania

Father Benedict I just wanted to let you know that your recovery and the recovery of Mother Angelica have inspired my ten year old daughter to want to do a Rosary. She saw the invitation to do a prayer Bouqet on the EWTN website, and I explained what that meant. On a nightly basis we are doing at least a decade of the rosary. My daughter has a speach disability, so it is rare that I am able to get her to pray out loud. Her cold put her out early tonight, but last night I could confirm that she knows her prayers, and she is learning to say a rosary on her own. - Joe, Brier, Washington

Father Benedict, How eagerly we look for Fr. Glenn's updates every evening!! How joyous and grateful to Almighty God we feel upon hearing of your continued progress!! It makes me laugh when I read Fr. Glenn's descriptions of your reactions ----- how easily I can visualize them!! Please be assured that we all continue to pray for you and for all your friars, as they fight the good fight alongside you. God bless you. - Paul and Margaret, Patterson, California

Dear Fr Benedict I bring to you the prayers, greetings and love of the Yarra Bay Eucharistic Prayer Community. This morning the Community Mass was offered for you again. Fr Glenn, many thanks for your daily Newsletter, it is the first message I open on my PC every morning. You make me feel being there, despite the 22,000 km distance. I have never seen Fr Benedict, but know of him through his books and tapes. We continue to pray!!! God bless you. - Marika, Ausstralia

Dear little father, this lent you are spending eucharistically: silent, suffering, hidden; lying on the white corporal of your hospital bed. May Jesus comfort you and keep you company...and heal you quickly. With love and prayers to the heavenly court!!!! - Mary, Manassas, Virginia

Fr. Benedict Praised be Jesus Christ for your ever quickining recovery. I would like you to know that after reading several of your books and seeing you on EWTN I have falling in deeper love with the Catholic Church and also with your order. I am currently a seminarian for the diocese of St. Paul/ Minneapolis in Minnesota, but within the depths of my heart I feel God pulling me closer toward the C.F.R. I cannot ignor this calling and hope to visit your frairy in New York sometime soom. Perhaps you will be well and we can have a nice talk. I havn't stopped praying and I will continue to pray for you until full recovery. God Bless. Peace in Chirst. - Patrick, Bloomington, Maine

I'm soooooooooooo overjoyed that you're back home to the greatest city in the world! I "rolled over" laughing today, when I saw the comic that Chuck from St. Francis House drew. His drawing looks EXACTLY like you and I can actually hear your voice (Jersey accent and all) saying, "So here I am, stuck up in the woods." As a Catholic, I have always benefitted from watching you on EWTN and from reading your books. Perhaps you can entitle your next book "So here I am, stuck up in the woods" and I will be the first in-line to get an autographed copy of it! God bless you and all the friars for helping you and updating us everyday! May our Lord and Blessed Mother continue to strengthen you, so that you'll be "out of the woods" as soon as possible! - Sally Mobilio, Stamford, Coneticut

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