Dear friends of Fr. Benedict,

Today is Friday, March 5. Here is the latest update on Fr. Benedict.

Sometimes God says, "Slow!"

It's true. At times God acts like some cosmic traffic cop who flattens His palm right to our face and says, "Hey buddy, slow down". A police car parked on the side of the highway makes everyone
s-l-o-w d-o-w-n. While most of us find slowing down difficult, we all know, in the long run, it's the right thing to do.

Thank God, today Father had a good day. David Burns filled in for Br. Peter who went off with a few other friars to Owensboro, Kentucky to conduct a Youth 2000 retreat. David told me that Father's day was quiet after a morning of physical therapy.

I had mentioned earlier that God has put Father Benedict in a very unusual place - not simply geographically, but in every which way! Here we have a "mover and shaker" who is staying quite still, a prolific writer who can't hold a pen, a powerful preacher quiet as a church mouse, a teacher with no classroom, and a spiritual director, counselor, and trouble shooter - taking orders from five-foot-nothing Filipino nurses! Yes, a very unusual place!

Sister Lucille, the Servant of the Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal, told me on the phone this morning that when she visited Father yesterday with some of the sisters "he was radiant!", smiling "like a school child". In fact, when Br. Francis Mary and I were walking out of the hospital yesterday he said something similar, saying, "I know this sounds odd, but I don't believe I've seen Father Benedict smile so much!"

Literally, only God knows why we end up where we do. Unlike the highway patrol, He has an eye out for eyeryone, not only the flashiest and fastest, even those in the slow lane - those who limp along in life. He knows just what we need and when we need it, and orders everything for our own good. Of course, God does not desire illness or accidents, but He can re-design bad things in order to make us better, like making us slow down to rest, think, pray, and appreciate life and others..

When I called today, David answered the phone almost in a whisper. I was a bit frightened - as if something had happened. I anxiously asked, "Dave, is everything all right?" He said still whispering, "Sure, no problem, Father's just in bed praying his rosary".

We all know that talk is cheap and example is everything. Right now Father is giving us an eloquent example to each of us. He's still but moving hearts, silent but speaking, far away yet very near to us. He's living what we all need to learn. So, the next time you find yourselves in life stuck on the side of the road, use the time to think and pray, perhaps you will discover it's the very place He wants you to be.

Maybe that's the secret of that schoolboy smile!

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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Father Ben, I join my prayers to those of all your fans and am most grateful to Father Glenn for keeping the world informed as to how you are doing. Please know that I pray for you and thank the good Lord for giving you so much to do for the glory of His name. Saint Francis was the most Christlike person in history - at least, I think so. Now, your imitation of Jesus in the spirit of Saint Francis is greater than ever, as you are one with him in his Passion. Benedicat Benedictun omnipoteus Deuc per intercession Sanctae Mariae semper Virginis, Sancti Joseph, Sancti Francisci et Sancti Benedcti. Fraternally yours in Christ, - Most Rev. Frank J. Rodimer Bishop of Paterson

Dear Fr. Benedict: WELCOME HOME!!! Okay, so you aren't back in the friary yet ... at least you're in the right state now!! I can't believe how much time has passed since the last time I checked on you (sorry about that! I had finals). And Fr. Glenn tells us you're doing amazingly well. Praise God! Next project -- get rid of that trach tube so you can talk and take Communion properly! (Although I bet the friary hasn't ever been this quiet! -- just kidding!!) - Cynthia, McHenry, Illinios

Dear Fr. Benedict - I was so very sorry to hear of your accident. How you must have suffered these last few weeks, but knowing you it will all have been so willingly. Thank you for your wonderful EWTN programs - I love and can identify with each one of them. They are so easy to understand. My love and prayers are with you every day. God Bless and keep you safe. - Jenny, United Kingdom

Fr. Benedict, the church really needs you at this time, so I pray you get well very soon. The world needs men like you in this time of trouble. You are and have always been an inspiration to me and my wife. You were one of the reasons I went back to the Catholic Church, and I know I’m not alone in that. - Bill, San Diego, California

Dearest Father Benedict, Each day I visit the website to see how you are doing. I amazed and rejoice when I see all the messages from those whose life you have touched and changed. They come from all over the world! What a glorious reminder of what God can do through his servants if the are willing to give up everything and follow Him. The Lord shares his Cross most with those closest to him. You are in our prayers - please remember us in yours! - Candace and Jeremiah, Toronto, Canada

You're in our prayers and those of our parish Holy Innocents. We pray for you and through you to Jesus - the Divine physician. May God grant you many more healthy, holy years for all our sakes. - Mary Anne, Neptune, New Jersey

Hello father, I hope you get well soon. My name is John and while I am am an Orthodox Christian I loved to watch your programs . You have been an encouragement to me. - John, Tampa, FL

Dear Father Benedict: I am so glad you are back in New York. We have all been praying for you and making sacrifices for you. Last night, I had fallen asleep with EWTN on the TV, and when my husband came home from work, I woke up to find you speaking about Lent. Perfect timing! It reminded me again not only about the Lenten season, but to continue to pray for you so that you may continue to enlighten us. May God bless you in your recovery! - Maureen, Scranton, Pennsylvania

Dear Father Groeschel, My husband and I are praying for you and we are watching your shows on EWTN also. You are a great inspiration in our journey to seeking the Kingdom of Heaven. I am a Mother and when I saw your smiling photo in a National Shrine news article I spontaneously kissed the top of your head, I felt compassion for you and I feel very sorry that such a great soldier for God like yourself should have to suffer any pain, but I guess united with the sufferings of our Blessed savior Jesus Christ, you are in the greatest company there is! May God bless your recovery and please pray for us when you can. Sincerest Get Well wishes. - Glen & Liesel ,Sheffield Lake, Ohio

Send your greetings to Fr. Benedict

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