Dear friends of Fr. Benedict,

From The Hospital #7

March 18, 2004

From what I'm told, I am making progress in my recovery; however, there are still big challenges ahead such as learning again to walk and regaining full use of my right arm.

If you've ever been in this position, you know that it is very encouraging to know how far you've come, yet very frightening to realize how far you still have to go. I'm sure some of you have had or will have a similar experience of sorrow and disaster. It seems to me that the spiritual answer is to be found in neither optimism nor pessimism about the future, but in complete trust in God. He sent us into this world to do certain things. We may not know His will for us; however, it will be fulfilled if we keep the commandments and take the opportunities for doing good that are set before us. It is out of two things, acceptance and obedience to God, that we receive the great gift of peace.

Let us continue to pray for each other!

Father Benedict

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Dear Fr. Benedict- The great lenten silence is over. Easter a little early! It is great to hear your voice again, even though it is "virtual." Prior to the Incarnation when the Word of God was made flesh, the human family pined to hear more fully that which it knew existed and that which it had experienced in many countless and wonderful ways. When the Word revealed itself in Jesus--could we say any more? After having the leisure of this mini-silent retreat, I look forward to see its fruit in your writing, your speaking and the ministry you love so much. Thanks for everything. Oremus pro invicem.-Fr. Albin J. Grous, Holy See(VATICAN CITY STATE)

Dear Father Benedict, We have been listening to you on EWTN here in Lae, Papua New Guinea. My family was terribly shocked when we suddenly heard, on EWTN, that you had been badly injured in an accident. We have prayed and followed your recovery anxiously. Tears come to my eyes every time I read from this website. May God heal you completely. We look forward to more teachings from you, on EWTN. -Augustine, Papua New Guinea

Dear Father Benedict, Just a note to let you know that you have two new members of the Church Triumphant to pray for your continued healing. on 3/14 my mother and father were killed in an auto accident.They were very devout Catholics and were eternally grateful to you, as you played a major role in my return to the Church after 27 years of a sinful and pagan life.My family and I continue to pray for your speedy recovery and thank God for the grace of your vocation. Yours in Christ,-Bob, Blue Island, Illinois

God bless you, Fr. Benedict, as you recover from your accident. Our family has been praying for you since we heard on EWTN that you'd been incapacitated. The six of us--my husband and I and our four kids--have remembered you during every family prayer and your name is on one of our "prayer tiles" in our outdoor St. Francis garden. When we pray for special intentions, my husband writes the person's name on a tile and places it around our St. Francis "grotto" that has stones, a rose bush and a statue of our beloved saint. I believe he has interceded for you during your recovery. God bless you!-Maggie, Dunedin, Florida

Thank you for your words through video and person as you recover. I am in recovery too, so you are not alone. I am reading your book, ARISE FROM DARKNESS. It was a gift and what a great one. I have one hope and that is for your healing. God bless you.- Colleen, Staten Island, New York

Dear Father Ben, The LORD is truly awesome, and he has chosen you to be his instrument. My husband and I are overjoyed that you are able to speak, and we thank God for the gift of you to the world. As Jesus continued to teach us, even from the cross, you continue to teach us...first without words and now with words from your hospital room. You have made such an impact on our lives, through my husband's deaconate formation, and also through the writings and talks that you have given through the years...and still you continue, lead by the Spirit of God. I just wanted to let you know that we shared your story with our RCIA class the other night. Part of the class was on suffering, and your emails added a real life dimension. God is certainly bringing out good from all of this....to HIM be the GLORY FOREVER! Love and Prayers, -Connie, Staten Island, New York

Since a week, I could not send you a mail ("fatal error occured etc...). Now that it works, I, hereby, confirm to inscribe for the petition for the movie on St. Francis of Assisi. Thank you again for the wonderful website news and for Father Benedicts daily enlightments (teachings) on sufferings. I continue to pray for you Father Benedict and the friars.- Anne, Belgium

Dear Fr. Benedict I was just surfing the web to get some news about you and found you SPEAKING! I'm so happy that I could leap this old bod over a pole vault without a pole! I've been asking God to take measure for measure all my physical or mental sufferings or discomforts from your sufferings. That's 2 months of a complainers griefs - a lot of relief for you I hope. To make you happy - listen: At ground zero of sex scandals, gay marriage by court order and Kennedy-katholicism - Boston USA - you will find St. Clement Church packed to standing room with hundreds of young Catholics with deep faith. 30-40 show up on Monday nights to study Bible and plan good works. It is a brilliant Bethlehem Star shining in the darkest night of liberalism - Boston. Think about that for comfort. -Bob, Boston, Massachusetts

Dear Father Benedict, Thank God you started talking again! I was just pondering over how God had allowed three of his most faithful and wonderful speakers to be silenced (or almost!): our Holy Father, Mother Angelica and you. Please keep talking!!! With great love, good wishes and sincere prayers from a friend in Santa Barbara and a former New Yorker. -Denise, Santa Barbara, California

One day at a time, Father! We are praying for you. That means five little children and their parents. Thank you for your loving ministry to the People of God. May this experience of suffering bring you intimately close to our beloved Lord. -Katherine, San Diego, California

Send your greetings to Fr. Benedict

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