Dear friends of Fr. Benedict,

Today is Friday, March 19. Here is the latest update on Fr. Benedict.

Greetings in the Lord! A blessed Saint Joseph Day.

Since I was spending the afternoon at the Grassroots Renewal Office in Brooklyn, Joe (Campo) suggested that I write to you tonight as I've "been on vacation" since Father Benedict has been on line! We told Father to take a break this evening; he'll have a message for us tomorrow evening.

Father has now moved from the hospital to a special nursing facility adjacent to the hospital. It is very clean and the staff very kind and professional. I had the opportunity to celebrate Mass at father's bedside yesterday and was accompanied by Br. Isaac Mary and Br. Thomas More. He is able now to receive the precious Body and Blood of the Lord.

He looked very well and was very much at peace despite the pain in his elbow. He was very grateful for our visit, and thanked us more than once - as if it was a burden to see him! I must admit, I had some difficulty getting through the penitential rite of the Mass. I was quietly overcome with a deep sense of gratitude to God and Mary for her maternal intercession. (Mother of God, thank you)

After Mass, as is our custom, we spent about five minutes in quiet meditation. It was a very profound and peace filled silence despite the occasional intercom announcement in the hallway and the quiet hiss of the oxygen tank. After speaking a bit with the brothers, we excused them so we could chat in private. He told me he wanted to get a letter out to you via e-mail, but I suggested he wait a bit; physical therapy will soon be taking up much of his time and energy. Again, he is ever grateful for your prayers.

Today? Well, Father hit a milestone - he actually was on his feet two times - but only for a minute or so. Now, the next time we complain about running from here to there, let's stop, think, then thank - and you know Who! Father told me that he was sustained in his dark time by the rosary and the eucharist, but I'm going to let him tell you why and how!

Before signing off, I want to thank so many of you who have signed the petition to Mr. Gibson and sent emails out far and wide. Joe gave me a two or three e-mails which were totally aghast and against the petition. Hey, no problem. Being from Brooklyn, I'm a bit thick skinned - and Calabrian - thick headed! I'm not insulted, especially if you're right! But, if a movie is produced which helps the world finally discover the real message and the real "man of the Passion" - Saint Francis - then every effort and any criticism will be well worth it!

Since "The Passion of the Christ" is presently being shown in Poland, those of you who are Polish-speaking, please e-mail relatives and others (especially Franciscans) "back home" - and ask them to sign the petition. It is now posted in Polish. French, Italian and German will soon follow.

God bless you all! Until next time, if God wills.

Fr. Glenn Sudano, C.F.R.

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Dear Fr. Ben: I am so happy to hear that you will be getting out of the hospital, and I pray that your arm will heal completely. My family and I are struggling with my greatly reduced income lately, and I draw strength from your forebearance in the face of your suffering. I began to pray for humility and suffered great indignities. You taught me a great deal in your writings about suffering and... I kid, but it is clear that he disciplines those whom he loves. God bless you, and pray that I may soon be able to afford more of your books and tapes! In God's Love. - George, Coon Rapids, Minnesota

Dear Fr. Benedict: Hey! You can't keep a "Joisey" man down! Thanks be to God and to Our Lady, you are now speaking again! I've been praying for you ever since your accident. Keep fighting-we still need you as a "light" in an ever-darkening world! Love and prayers, Barb "from New York"! - Barb, Utica, New York

Dear Fr. Benedict. The doctor ordered me off of caffiene and I offer up my withdrawal headaches for you. I have been to meetings Masses and prayers groups and they all remember to pray for you. I prayed for you at my retreat and offered up the pain in my legs as I stood in line for confession. May you get well soon. My wife and I will continue to remember you and the friars in our prayers. We have seen the Passion movie and are now watching the video Good Friday which came yesterday. We need a lot more prayers to improve our country. - John, Spring, Texas

Fr. Benedict, I have been following your progress and praying that you will recover in order to continue touching needy souls like mine. Your programs on EWTN/WEWN over the past years have been a major source of inspiration bringing me back to the Catholic faith after a 25 year falling away. Yes, you have the ability to touch lives in a powerful way. May God continue to bless His children with your gifts. For the praise and glory of Jesus, may you continue to recover so we may all hear your voice and be inspired to "press on" as you have with the influence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Thanks for everything you have done. - Chuck , Melbourne, Florida

"I am convinced you will be stronger when you get out of the hospital than you were when you crossed that street in Orlando." I think all of us shout "Amen!" to this comment made by Raymond Arroyo in yesterday's comments! We, too, are stronger, Fr. Benedict, for having watched and read and prayed as you recovered. God is faithful. We knew that before your accident but now we have, hand in hand, and heart with heart, experienced this with you. We love you, Fr. Benedict. We love you with the Love of the Lord.- Terry, Half Moon Bay, California

Everyone is praying for you in the Bronx that is in the youth for christ youth center.If it wasnt for you making this program I will never know God the way I know him now.So thank you and God Bless! - Lisa, Bronx, New York

Dear Fr. Benedict, what a role model you are again for us. After seeing Mel Gibsons Passion Of The Christ, it"s heart warming and heart wrenching to see someone have such a violent accident as you did and still forge ahead. I had an ear ache this past week and could hardly take it, (I gave it up for you). You always have been and still are an inspiration. Like I"ve often heard you say "Keep your eyes on Our Lord " - Alba, North caldwell, New Jersey

Father, We are glad to hear that you are recovering and we continue to keep you and all your needs in our prayers.God bless you abundantly the poor clare nuns - Sr. Mary, Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts

Send your greetings to Fr. Benedict

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