Dear friends of Fr. Benedict,

Today is Wendesday, March 3. Here is the latest update on Fr. Benedict.

"You are very much loved". This simple yet sincere statement half-hidden in an e-mail message is small yet very precious. Like a pearl, words like these are rare indeed. I ask myself, "When is the last time I told someone they were loved very much?" Certainly such sentiments are as important for the spirit as medicine is for the body. We would do well to offer others words like these, which we all need to both hear and say.

Despite yesterday's close call, Br. Daniel Marie reports Father B had "a better day today". A vigilant nursing team frequently attends to fluid build-up in the lungs. We are grateful Father is getting the best of care; yet, thanks to a generous benefactor, a registered nurse will also be assigned to be by his side during the night-time hours. We want to be certain no problems suddenly emerge at some odd hour - especially when Father is off the ventilator.

Physical therapists came by today and actually had Father at the edge of his bed. Although he was not standing, this might have been the longest time his feet have touched the floor since the accident. The therapists hope to have Father sitting in a chair "soon" - and not the magic mechanical chair he enjoys now!

I recently received a call from the Orlando Regional Medical Center, where Father Benedict was rushed right after his accident. I've been telling people if Father got hit anywhere else in the country, he might not be with us today. Unfortunately, the trauma unit that saved Father's life just may be on the "chopping block" due to lack of funds. Our readers who are Florida residents might do well to visit their Website to find out how to prevent this from happening. Keeping in mind how they helped Father Benedict may motivate you to offer a helping hand, even if it be a letter to the city legislature. The Website address is:

www.orlandoregional.org/trauma

Speaking of websites, Joe told me that many of you had difficulty seeing the profession video. After a few hours of effort by David Miller, Joe was happy to announce everything's back on board. I'm sure many of you enjoyed the video as much as I did - I looked like a proud father, did I not?

Father Conrad celebrated Mass by Father Benedict's bedside today; tomorrow's my turn. I will once again extend your love to him. I just might torture him by reading him so many complementary e-mails - each holding rare precious pearls. What is easy to write to another far away may indeed be difficult to say to someone close to us. But let's do it, and remind another that they are very much loved. We not only need to hear it; we also need to say it.

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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My husband and I have 7 children. WE gather the children in prayer for not only your recovery but for your intentions. Our 5 year old says special prayers to Jesus because of Fr. Glenn's post which said Jesus loves children and listens all the more. We have also spread the word at our adoration chapel for more prayers to be said before the Blessed Sacrament.May the Lord make you well and strong again Father. I sense your work here is not done. - Lori, Villa Park, Illinios

Congratulations Brothers Thomas more, Raphael Jacques, John Bosco, Youssef, Guiseppe, Bonaventure, Charles, Seraphine, St. Clair-Pio, Jeremiah, Christian Marie, and Brother Honorat. Thank you for the beauty of this clear gift of yourselves to Almighty God. "...and all flesh will see His salvation". Father Benedict, Greetings! God Bless you. Gratefully. - Mari-Ellen ,McLean, South Dekota

Good Morning dear Father Groeschel, In all seriousness, about your elbow, I feel that my dear departed father would still be with us if his doctor had let me use an onion poultice on his foot. I read that President Eisenhauer in his youth had a gangrenous thumb which the doctor wanted to amputate, but his grandmother, from here store of folk-medicine, parboiled an onion, and put his thumb in it, and bandaged it up for 48 hours. The result was-NO INFECTION. Please ask your doctor if you can try it on your elbow. At the very worst - you'll smell like a sandwich. In any case, I am praying for you each day, and am privileged to be able to communicate with you. Your chicken soup is ready to be delivered-just waiting for the word. - Marsha, Framingham, Massachsetts

Hi Father Groeschel keeping you in the Rosary. Off the record can you post the grassroods link again thank you. Also good luck to you postulants more than ever from the Grace of God they are in a most trying time and temptation is great paganism is rampant etc. Love in Christ Amen. - Holly, Oswego, New York

"Dear Brothers, Is your life full of diffifculties and temptations? Then be glad. For when the way is rough then patience has a chance to grow. So let it grow and don't try to excape. For when patience has come to full bloom - then you will be perfect." Dear Father, this is easy to quote when one is not suffering. But like Jesus asking, "Take this cup from me, but no, not my will but thine.", it is suffering merely to say the words. But I know that you say that and you are a great encouragement to me. Love. - Julie, Wayzata, Minnisota

Father, I promise to keep you in my prayers. Thank you for your wonderful witness to us. - John, Australia

Dear Father Benedict, I pray the rosary daily for you for the intentions Father Glenn asks us to pray for. You have been a great influence in my life. I love to watch EWTN, especially you and Mother Angelica. I know God is working through you both to bring so many of us to him. God Bless You Father! Please continue to recover, those of us here on Earth aren't ready for you to go to Heaven just yet! With much love and admiration. - Lisa, Old Town, Florida

Every day Fr B i pray for you. Each time i meet with friends i remember you, i pray for your carer's too, the people affected by your work and for all the sick, i pray that one day soon you will be well again, and that i will eventualy be able to meet the man who has insipered me so in my vocational journey towards religious life. In the hearts of Jesus Mary and Joseph, i pray for you. - Emma, United Kingdom

We are still praying for you Fr. Benedict and will continue to do so. We also want to thank Father Glenn Sudano for his commitment to keeping us up to date not only on Fr. Benedict's condition but also sharing about the 12 novices who made their first profession. Praise be to God. We will also keep them and all the friars in our prayers. We need to continue to hear all the news that doesn't made the third page. God bless you all. - Lloyd and Jo-Ann, Canada

Father, I have been praying for your recovery since this terrible accident. I also pray for your protection. You have been taken out of your mission,and we know that it was not our Lord that did it. May our Lord Jesus Bless you and continue to heal you. God Bless - Char, Anguilla

Send your greetings to Fr. Benedict

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