Dear friends of Fr. Benedict,

From The Hospital #9

March 21, 2004

One of the great realizations that comes when a disaster wipes you out in a few minutes is how good and faithful people can be. Not only have the friars and sisters kept going; it's my realization that they have done better than if I were around putting in my two cents!

Several groups of lay people have also come to the rescue and continue to assist in the collection of alms, in the thanking of benefactors, and in the paying of bills. Beyond that, several apostolic endeavors that I felt inspired to start kept right on going. The St. Francis House never missed a beat. Yolanda and Jerry Cleffi visited me recently and gave me a marvelous report on the growth of the Oratory of Divine Love, a prayer movement for informed lay people.

It is wonderful to know that these works go on so beautifully - because it shows that they are works of the Holy Spirit. He is still running the world.

Let us continue to pray for each other!

Father Benedict

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Get well soon. I enjoy hearing a German Irish Franciscan with a Jewish sense of humor from Joisey City. I also heard your dialogue with Alice von Hildebrand about Suffering and what to do with it. Get well, quickly Padre- Ben, Dunmore, Pennsylvania

Dear Father Benedict, so good to hear you doing well moving forward, just shows you, ya cann't get a good franciscan down! lift that cross father all for the Love of God.-Winnie, Austin, Minnasota

Dear Father Benedict, I am so glad that your recovery is proceeding well (although I am sure you would prefer to be up and about doing other things right now!!). In any event, this note is to let you know that you are in my thoughts and prayers and ask you to keep me in yours. I was thinking about you last Sunday as our parish (St. Patrick's in Havre de Grace, MD) was having a St. Patrick celebration. As I sat with my family and watched the "goings on" I was reflecting on how priviledged I am to be part of His Church, and so thankful for priests like you who bring us Jesus each Sunday. God Bless and Keep you Father.-Mark, Colora, Maryland

Dear Father Glenn Sudano, Please know that many of us ( people I don't know) are so happy that you sent us all those emails about Fr. B. It is so wonderful to know that we are apart of a of Fr. B's email community of 10,000 and growing. It is truly wonderful to click on to the internet and feel attached to the fransican friars. I hope that Fr. B and you continue to email us daily even when Fr. B has completely recouperated.... Also, please know that I am interested in becoming a professesed Fransiscan of the Renewal. Is there such a thing for a lay person?.....Sincerely In Jesus and Mary,-Ann Marie, Colts Neck, New Jersey

Dear Father Benedict, Your message pertaining to God's will, was very meaningful to me. I am facing health issues that could become overwhelming. Your faith in God's will has given me comfort. I praise the Lord for your improvement and pray for your full recovery. God Bless you.-Irene, Westfield, Massachesettes

Dear Fr.Ben,on the feast of the Annunciation,I will stand in proxy for your healing.God healed Br.Ephraim and H.e plays no favorites.His will be done.May you have a piece of kielbasi for Easter.Love.-Stephanie, Danbury, Cuniticut

Hey Fr. Ben, My Mom and I have been keeping a close watch on you! God couldn't let you slip away from us just as life is getting good and the fruit of our family is ripening, thanks to your prayers and efforts. I look forward to hearing your reflections and seeing you again. The question of "why" will be answered in time... you probably already have ideas of answers! My answer for "why this happened" is so that you learn to receive, rather than to give. Oh how much happier it is to give than to receive! ...But it is in receiving that we learn humility and to receive love. The reception of love is just as important as giving it, if not even more difficult to learn! I know you will be receiving a wealth of benefit from God, and in turn, will be sending it forth to the world to also receive the wisdom gained. I love that about you. We will keep praying for you. Love,- Jeanine, and Eugenia, Hamilton, New Jersey

Dear Father, How many souls must be praying for you that you saved with your pain.You and Mother Angelica are living proof of the great love our God has for all of us sinners. God be with you and hold you close to His heart-MaryAnne, Millwaukee, Wiscosin

Father, I pray for you daily and check on your progress via the web. I was so touched by your words about pressing on; going the distance even when life knocks us down. And your beautiful words to simply follow Jesus. It made me weep with gratitude and hope. My son has been called to active duty in Iraq. So I will pray for you and please pray for us and our country. I know the Holy Eucharist is giving you strength just like it does me. I love you Father.-Kathy, Bayou L'Ourse, Luisiana

Dear Father Benedict, This is your new friend in Gig Harbor, Washington, Noel writing again. I promissed to pray for you in November, when you were at St. Nicholas Parish. What a blessing to be able to pray for you now! So many of us love you so very much. I will never forget watching you talk to a little boy, about five years old. You showed him a rosary and told him about it. Then you gave it to him! He was so excited that he ran to show it to his father with the rosary held high over his head! You are a very precious messenger from God! I hope to see you again one day. God bless you, dear Father Benedict.-Noel, Gig Harbor, Washington

Send your greetings to Fr. Benedict