Dear friends of Fr. Benedict,

Today is Thursday, March 4. Here is the latest update on Fr. Benedict.

Greetings to all - and thank you for your visit!

I had the opportunity to celebrate Mass for Father Benedict this morning. He looked well rested and, if I might say, quite healthy! David Burns who lives at Trinity Retreat House with Father was present when I arrived. David, you may remember, was with Fr. Lynch in Florida when Father had his accident. When I arrived with Br. Francis Mary, David had already set the narrow table which served as our altar. A small gold pyx which holds the Holy Eucharist sat on a square white linen next to a small standing crucifix. I had forgotten the Blessed Sacrament was in the room, so I cut short my conversation with David and quietly vested. Br. Francis Mary accompanied me to the hospital; he, like many friars had not seen Father since the accident.

Before leaving the friary, Br. Francis Mary asked if I thought Father would appreciate a song as a communion meditation. He knows Father enjoys Latin chant, so he said, "I'll bring "Panis Angelicus". So Brother Francis Mary picked up the sheet music and we scooted out of the house. In the hospital room Brother asked him, "Father would you like if I sang a communion meditation?" Father smiled, widened his eyes and mouthed the words, "Panis Angelicus". Two points for the Holy Spirit!

The Mass was very quiet and simple and very prayerful. As always, Father wore Cardinal Cooke's simple white stole, and received Holy Communion by taking but the smallest piece of the host dipped in the Precious Blood. Brother Francis Mary sang his hymn which Father enjoyed very much.

After Mass I filled Father Benedict with the latest news; for example, the smooth transition of friar's moving into their new assignments, the opening of our new friary in Newark, and of course, hospital insurance coverage! Although he cannot speak, I wasn't too difficult to read Father's lips. Of course, I fulfilled my promise to a number of people who asked to be remembered to Father. I also asked him if he had a message for you! He simply raised his fist slightly in the air and mouthed the words, "Press on!"

I couldn't help but recall the powerful scenes in the movie "The Passion of the Christ". In my mind's eye I could see the face of Mary as she looked at her son. Despite her sadness and suffering, we might imagine her saying the same thing - "Press on!" The Gospel tells us, "Ask, seek, knock". This is what we must do everyday. God always answers our prayers. At times, He says, "Slow". Sometimes He says, "No!" Then, when the time is right, He says, "Go!" Like our Lady and Father B, let us not say, "Me!" - but "Thee!" Then let us put our hand to the plow and - "Press on!"

Until next time, if God wills.

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

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Fr. Benedict, Hi! I've been checking in on you and praying for you daily as are so many others. Please take heart in this time of trial that through it many will and are coming to the knowledge of Christ. You can rest in the knowledge that while you are recovering your ministry has not diminished but increased through the seeds you've already sown and the grace of God. So that while you may feel inactive much is being accomplished in the spirit. Love to you from Nashville. - Bruce Sudano, Nashville, Tennessee

Fr. Glenn, why don't you have a long beard too? - Chris, Marlborough, Massachusetts

Dearest Fr. Benedict, the many prayers continue for your spiritual and physical well being, and I have checked the website every morning since it started to see how your doing. I met you once at the ticket counter at American Airlines in San Antonio, you still continue to have a profound affect on us all by your holiness and fortitude. - Theresa, San Antonio, Texas

Dear Fr. Benedict, I am praying for the day your back home in Larchmont.Your friends at the Post Office have you in their prayers. God Bless. - A. Robert, Carmel, New York

Hey Father B!! You have inspired me so much in my short life(im only 14) and I'm sure you will continue too... I'll say a few extra rosaries for you Fr. B.. Get Well soon!! Staten Island loves you and prays for You.. - Brandi, Staten Island, New York

I just wanted to let you know that I too am praying for Father Groeshel. I am a recent revert, after more than 20 years, and Father Groeshel has been instrumental in this wonderful decision. I've been praying for him since the day of the accident and will continue to do so. May God bless all of you. Find yourselves blessed to be able to care for this man of God. Oh, how I wish I was one of you. Greetings from Puerto Rico. - Alvilda, Puerto Rico

Dear Father Benedict: I am praying for you every day. I am a Jewish Christian, and you play(ed) a very huge role in my conversion to Y'shua. I first saw you on EWTN 2 1/2 years ago. My mother passed away in August 2003, and your prayers for the dying and departed (and your writings) are still so helpful to me in the grief of losing my beloved mom. You are very loved by many many people here, and G-d bless You, Father Benedict. - Chaeleyah, Howell, Missouri

Fr. Benedict, I have been joining this virtual community of prayer for you almost every day for the last, what is it 6 weeks or so. I pray for you just about every day and more intensley when you have a setback like this morning. From the first days in the spiritual direction course at Dunwoodie to this crisis I have been aware of the gift that you are for the Church and I pray that the Lord will keep you around much longer to share His wisdom (and yours) with us! - Jim, New Jersey

"We have a hope in Jesus" is a song now permanently in my repertoire of hum-able tunes. Each day as I check on Fr. Groeschel's progress, this simple verse plays again and again, reminding me what keeps us going in life. Truly inspiring is the gift that Fr. Glenn has to connect all the information, while inspiring us to unite our sufferings with those of Our Lord. Maybe I am no longer afraid so much to suffer even the little things in life. As the song ends "And all things will be well, in Love." What a blessing to be assured that in spite of any pain or challenging circumstance, we are never alone. Many of the saints knew that suffering brought them closer to Christ, and through this experience of recuperating with Fr. Groeschel, we too, are learning patient endurance and trusting in the mercy of a great God. May we all carry this message to those around us in word and deed. Let us rejoice that our "Good Friday" is bringing us one step closer to Easter Sunday. - Susan, Beaver, Pennslyvania.

Dear Father Benedict, One of thousands still on my knees. Praying a Rosary, Chaplet of Divine Mercy daily and three Masses and Communions for your recovery. Many thanks to all who contribute to the daily update. I will accept God's will but pray that in time you will be able to return to your life's work. Dolores - Clarion, Iowa

Send your greetings to Fr. Benedict

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