Dear
friends of Fr. Benedict,
Today is Wendesday, March 10. Here
is the latest update on Fr. Benedict.
When
Br. Pio quietly knocked on the door, poked his head in the library and said,
"Father Glenn, you have an important call", I was somewhat happy to get an unexpected
break from the meeting. Yet, to get me out of a Council meeting, I knew it must
be important. I walked over to the phone hopeful it wasn't an emergency. We
all know what thoughts race through our mind when a phone call is both unexpected
and called "urgent". As I reached for the phone I hesitated, interiorly braced
myself and said: "Fr. Glenn". The voice at the other end was weak and raspy
- "Praised be Jesus Christ." I could hardly believe my ears! "Now and forever!"
I shouted into the phone.
Yes, it's been almost two months since I heard that familiar
voice! I was told that hearing the voice of a loved one silenced by sickness
for so long was "an experience of God". No truer words have been uttered! Inside
I felt like the sun beaming after a storm.
After a quick bite, Fr. Andrew, Fr. Richard and I hopped into
the car and headed for the hospital. When we got to Father's room, Br. Daniel
Marie was standing bedside smiling from ear to ear. As I approached Father's
bed, he extended his hand, smiled and once again said, "Praised be Jesus Christ".
I don't want to take up your time with my thoughts and feelings,
so I'll step aside and let Father say a few words to you.
"Dear Friends,
This is the first opportunity I have to personally thank the
people who have been caring for me since my accident. I was deeply moved by
the amount of prayer cards and e-mails from many, many people. I don't know
how to repay you for your expressions of support and letters of encouragement.
I am going to be laid-up for a while healing and hopefully
getting stronger. I am thankful to God that I did not sustain any serious head
injuries or facial disfigurement. God must be telling me to get back to work.
Today I spoke for the first time in 2 months. I am so grateful
for the brothers who have attended to my needs, especially Br. Daniel and Br.
Peter. They have shown infinite patience to a person in a desperate situation.
I can't tell you how happy I am to be so well cared for by the staff of two
very fine hospitals. I will be forever grateful to these generous people for
the rest of my life. When we say love and faith are dying away in this country,
here we see so much dedication and care - the attendants, nurses, specialists,
and of course, the doctors.
I want to share with you two principles upon which I have built
my life. The first is from Saint Augustine: 'God does not cause evil, but that
evil should not become the worst'. Second: 'There are no accidents. Evil things
occur because of bad will or stupidity or fatigue, yet whatever the cause God
will bring good out of it if we let Him'.
I had seen the movie, "The Passion" before I had my accident.
How many times the haunting scenes (of Christ's agony) brought me consolation
and hope when things were very dark.
Each day I will try to write a little something to the many
people who have supported me. This can become a wonderful way we can grow and
support one another and together grow in faith, hope, and love. God bless and
keep you."
Fr. Benedict
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Dear Father Benedict. I hope you don't mind another email.
I have emailed you a couple of times before and I want you to know that I am
still praying for you. I am 40 years old but only "3 years old" in the Catholic
Church. Yes I feel I have come home! I read the updates on you everyday. I am
astounded at the number of people who know you and who love you. I will never
know you as well as most of these people so I thought to learn more about you
and who this wonderful person is, that I would watch some of your videos. I
went to our resource centre and I am in the process of watching "5 Lessons From
The Cross" I wish everyone had the opportunity to watch this video. What a message
you give! What a great follower of Christ you are! We can all learn so much
from you. You truly show your love for Christ. Please know that I am continuing
to pray for you everyday. You are a true disciple of Christ! - Elaine, Canada
Dear Father Benedict, You made me laugh uproariously the other
night when I was watching a program of yours on EWTN. You said words to the
effect of: "If you don't believe in Satan, visit NYC sometime. You'll BELIEVE."
Being an ex-NY'er (now in CA)I have to say "Amen". (Though I yearn to visit
again) Get well quickly. We miss your witness and your humor. Praying for your
speedy recovery, - Brian, Escondido, California
Dearest Fr. Groeschel,I am a member of the Oratory of Divine
Love in Wheaton, IL ... We are so grateful to you for so many things, but mostly
by inspiring us to gather together to pray and discuss living out our beautiful
Catholic faith. We continue to pray for your complete recovery. We love and
need you, Father! Please, please get well soon. God bless you! - Sheridan, Wheaton,
Illinois
Dear Father, Thank you for bearing the cross that God has sent
you for my welfare and the welfare of all God's children. I pray that God give
you the strength to do His will. My thoughts and prayers and thanks are with
you always. You strength and single mineded devotion to our Lord give me hope.
- Linda, Seaford , New York
Dear Fr. Benedict, it is such a blessing to come here daily
and be able to "peek" into the room and see how you are doing! I can see you
raising your fist and saying "press on!!" in that wonderful Jersy accent! We
all rejoice at the steps toward recovery you are making, and continue to pray
God's will be done. - Barbara, Detroit, Michigan
Dear Fr. Benedict I hardly know what to say anymore, but this
lent seems special. I am in good company knowing my pain is united in Christ
and that it is easier to understand my pain and deal with it because you are
carrying your cross so well. I pray for you daily Because of you I understand
suffering on a human level and that we who MUST deal with it understand there
is something greater here than just physical pain. I often see you as the one
taking up your cross, and the rest of us trying to follow you as you are following
Jesus. I saw The Passion. Who am I that my God went through all that for me.
Pleasr continue to do well. (Remember me too as I deal with my cross that I
will never complain about.) - Lorrie, Robbinsville,New Jersey
Dear Father Benedict, When I returned to my Catholic roots
some twenty years ago your books were the first to fall into my hands: God and
Us and Spiritual Passages for starters. It was God's wonderful providence which
allowed that to happen. You have nourished our souls with the truth and we are
eternally grateful. You have radiated His love through your love, compassion
and (I must add) humor ! We beg our guardian angels to spend some time each
day with you to let you know how much we love you and pray for you. May the
peace of Our Lord be yours, - Mary, Loveland, Ohio
I am very thankful for Father Benedict's recovery, and praise
our Father for all healing. How thrilled I am that ten, (or is it twelve) young
men have taken their vowels. Our dear Holy Spirit is always at work. I am 80
years old and this Easter vigil I will, God willing, be confirmed in thr Catholic
church. Thanks to Mother Angelica, EWTN and all the fine workers who let us
know the truth about the Church. Needless to say some of my children think I
have not only lost my 'marbles' but I have abandoned them. I covet your prayers.
Keep up the good work and Press On! - Mary, Mebane, North Carolina
Thank you Father Benedict for all the help you have been to
today's Catholics. You explain, clarify, and help us to endure and be proud.
I pray for you. - Emily, Reidsville, North Carolina
Fr. Benedict, God bless you...you are in my prayers, and I
am happy to hear of your progress. While we have never met, I feel as if I know
you from your work at EWTN and your many books and tapes. Your programs, books,
and tapes have played a very important part in helping me come back to my faith
and also then stregthening that faith. May God grant you many more years to
help bring His message to this world. Dominus Vobiscum. - Ann, Baton Rouge
Send
your greetings to Fr. Benedict
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