Dear friends of Fr. Benedict,

Today is Monday, March 1. Here is the latest update on Fr. Benedict.

I am sorry that I have been unable to offer you an update in the past few days. However, our counter doesn't lie. Thousands continued to be faithful by visiting the Website if only to read the e-mails which continue to come in daily. I am so inspired by so many beautiful and prayerful people. Such are the people who never make the news. They are the hidden, invisible net that keeps the church together. They are the microscopic members of the Mystical Body who quietly pray, serve, and suffer, rarely catching the attention of the world.

To so many who are so thoughtful and caring, I give good news. Day by day, Father Benedict continues to improve. The respirator, which stood sentry by his bedside, was quietly rolled out of his room three days ago. While Father is still not walking about, he is able to comfortably sit, thanks to his special bed which turns from a stretcher to a seat with the touch of a few buttons.

Now that the heavy sedatives are well out of his system, Father is alert and engaged, and he is now spending more time reading than snoozing. His right elbow, which was operated on in Florida, is healing slowly - so slowly, in fact, that the doctors suspect there may be an infection. However, despite the discomfort, Father is far from the painful place he inhabited just a few weeks ago.

The next step everyone is awaiting for (most especially you know who) is to replace the trach with a smaller version with a valve. This will allow Father B. to eat, drink, and (drum roll please) - speak! Aim your fervent and favorite prayers in this direction. Father would be very grateful. Talk about yet another move, this time to a rehab, is already in the air. In the meantime, the brothers work along with professionals to keep arms and legs limber. Thus far, everyone is happy with Father's progress and everyone has to fight the urge to look too far into the future.

Today, before a packed church, twelve of our novice friars made their first public profession of vows. It was a beautiful sight to behold - seeing so many of them so full of joy! Once again, to the world this is a "no news" event, which would never make page 3. However, for you and I it's headlines, because it is yet another sign that we are far from abandoned; indeed, we are very much blessed! Our joy was even increased with the presence of our eight new novices who are getting quite comfortable not only with their new habits, but with their new names!

I spoke to Father Benedict once again about this Website and he using it as a venue for a daily meditation. I told him on the phone, "I hate to give you work, but you have some friends out there - about ten thousand - so think about it!

Finally, I did go to see "The Passion of the Christ". It was even better than I expected. If you haven't seen the movie - go! Our Blessed Mother is presented as strong, faithful, hopeful, loving and trusting. Like Mother, like Son. There is so much in this movie; one viewing is certainly not enough. There is another movie which I believe now must be made. I want to tell you all about it - but that's for 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, I offer all the stuff I hate to do for you....it's alot of stuff. - Dorothy, Ft. Knox, Kentucky

Dear Father Benedict, I think maybe I found out what it really is to be humble. It's for once in your life finally forgetting about your own pain and fear and self pity. I forgot those things because I can "feel" and "imagine" your pain, and that of our Lord, and I feel that I have been self-centered far too long. Father, I pray for you and of course my wish is for as little pain for you as possible, and QUICK recovery. I also except what the Lord wills for you, and for me. With great love to you Father, Diane Dear Father Benedict, I think maybe I found out what it really is to be humble. It's for once in your life finally forgetting about your own pain and fear and self pity. I forgot those things because I can "feel" and "imagine" your pain, and that of our Lord, and I feel that I have been self-centered far too long. Father, I pray for you and of course my wish is for as little pain for you as possible, and QUICK recovery. I also except what the Lord wills for you, and for me. With great love to you Father. - Diane, Rochester, New York

We here at Saint Thomas the Apostle Orthodox Chapel are keeping you in our prayers. I personally love what you are trying to do and hope to see you soon back on EWTN.God bless you and keep you. GOD IS GREAT! - Rev. Francis, Milpitas, California

Father Benedict, may our friend Saint Aloysius Gonzaga shower you with Roses from heaven in abundance, to heal you, to comfort you to surround and enfold you with the healing love and power of the risen Christ. - Marion, Ireland

Dear Father B. Im only 15 and my Mother has told me alot about you and what a wonderful person you are. I pray that God may continue to look after you through this difficult time. Me and my Mother are are saying a 54 day Novina and we are offering our prayers for you, and your quick recovery. May God Bless You...I pray that you will soon be heeled and continue to help other's as you have done so in the passed, my Love and Prayers go to you Father, May God Bless You and Heel you, Get Well! - Katie ,North Dakota

Dear Father Benedict, Lord, have mercy. Just checking in and wanted to send a little note to tell you that I thought of you today while I was teaching, and visited the Blessed Sacrament after school. I am praying for your continued recovery. Father, its interesting to read all of the emails. I thought,"I have this wonderful extended family," and then realized that that is what the church is. It is such a great comfort. And so, I join my prayers with theirs, tonight and everyday. May God bless and keep you always. - Charlotte, Chariton, Indiana

Dear Fr. Glenn.- Mexican children of Guadalajara are happy for F.B. and for your informations with all your team. I will send you photos of the children's Via-crucis, next March 26, F.B and you will enjoy them. We are not able to see the videos ,but we love you and pray for all of you that make this possible. God bless you - Yoya, Mexico.

Father Benedict, tears, tears of emotion...healing tears...God will only know the healings that have come out of your suffering, as you unite it with His and ours...last night my son, who has been "out" of the Church for over ten years, told me that he is going back to our Church on Ash Wednesday...i know it is the work of God through your ordeal, through this inspiring web site and the beautiful words of yours that we listen to and the words of Fr. Glen...all inspired by the Holy Spirit...praise God! thank you, thank you, thank you...you will be well, soon...we love you!!!!!! - Teri & Bill, Bradenton, Florida

Dear Dear Father Benedict, How very blessed we were to hear you speak in Paso Robles, Ca last month. Even more beautiful was the blessing you gave my husband, myself, and our daughter. Our Dear Lord must really love you to give you a share in carrying His heavy cross. We pray for you and already anticipate the day when "all things are made new" in you.May God continue to pour His gracious blessings upon you and may Our Lady be your consolation and your refuge.- Mary, Honolulu, Hawaii

The videos and song are awesome and so uplifting;thank you! Our God is so awesome....look at what he is doing with you Fr B! Be assured of our continued prayers for a speedy and complete recovery;you are living Christ's passion for your 'poor'....He will sustain you and is with you in this trial. Fr Glen and staff are doing an excellent job on the website updating us each day on your progress; I 'visit' you first each day and then 'take your needs to prayer' throughout the day; you are 'family' to us! We love you! Keep the faith! - Gail, Ashburnham, Massachusetts

Send your greetings to Fr. Benedict

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