Dear friends of Fr. Benedict,

From The Hospital #11

March 24, 2004

If you went to Catholic school in the old days, one of the most powerful spiritual messages that the sisters gave us was to unite our own pains and troubles with the Church. The famous phrase "offer it up" was an important part of the spirituality of devout Catholics and the students who it was hoped would become devout Catholics.

The idea was never quite clear; in fact it was mysterious how our sufferings and pains would have anything to do with the sufferings of Christ for the salvation of the world. But none the less, like many mysteries, we believed it. As we grew older, the great text in Colossians 1:24 began to mean more to us: "I am now rejoicing in my suffering for your sake and in my flesh I am completing what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is the Church". Therefore those of us who still believe that you can "offer it up" have a great motive to try to put up with our sufferings. It would be wonderful if we could always do this bravely and with a smile, but that may not be realistic or necessary. The mere fact that we try, that we don't give up, that we go on in the darkness is sufficient indication that we are trying to please God, and surely He must see it this way.

Let us continue to pray for each other!

Father Benedict

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Hooray! I am so glad your trach was removed..but I bet you're gladder! And you're taking steps! Wonderful! As you say, PRESS ON! Much love and many blessings to you! Peace, Linda ps.I heard a joke, but maybe you'll get mad...well, I'll risk it. I hope it makes you smile. Why did St. Joseph have a black eye? Because he called St. Francis Assisi. (Don't get mad)I should skipped the ps?- Linda, Woodhaven, New York

Dear Fr. Benedict, It is really amazing to witness the worldwide network of Catholics and non-Catholics that appears in a crisis like yours. It must be amazing for you to realize how many lives you have touched, how many souls you have helped to win for Christ! I know many people personally who are praying for you, and one of my friends, a sister, believes that Cardinal Cooke is interceding for you because (she told me) you are working for the cause of his canonization. You are a wonderful person, and if the friars read you this, I know you will flinch because you are humble but it's true! I know, I know... another flinch. All right! I wrote you a short message on one of the first days after your accident, but I want to tell you more now. I am a sophomore in high school, and I have a strong feeling that I am called to be Jesus's spouse as a sister! So please pray for me that I can find the right order. I also want to be a teacher and inspire young children to love Christ and love the Catholic faith. Even though I know you don't know me, I feel like I almost know you because of my daily "visits" to your hospital room. I have been on abortion marches with you (courageous Joisey guy), and I remember one time I stepped on the back of your sandal. Just thought I'd say that. Anyway, thanks for all you've done to make this world a better place (another flinch...okay). We all love you so much, and I know God does too! Keep on offering up that suffering...it is so valuable! In Jesus's Sacred Heart,-Mary Anne, Forest Hills, New York

Dear Frs.Benedict, Glen and Friars, A friend of mine recently gave me a set of Fr. Benedict saying the 15 decades of the Rosary. It was very special since, at the time, he still couldn't speak. I say it in the car all the time with him and for him. I just received the Grassroots video and will save a special time for my husband and I to watch it. Some of the friars are heading up to Rochester for a retreat before Easter and I will definitely be there. Many prayers and encouragement. Love,-Maureen and Joe, Rochester, New York

Dear Father Benedict, I am glad that you are getting stronger every day. I am keeping your right hand and arm especially in my prayers. That is your blessing hand! I'm praying to Father Solanus for a complete recovery of that arm. We need your passion and strength now more than ever. You are such a blessing to our church. Even non-Catholics with whom I share your tapes love you! May The good Lord and His Mother bless and heal you.-Mary, Bayside, New York

Dear Father - Your experience has been a continuous reminder of God's goodness and mercy. The days when I struggle most with my own faith, I visit your website, and through my tears, I see how God continues to work through you. Your words are a tremendous source of comfort in these difficult times, and your perseverence thrusts me out of my own self-pity and encourages me to keep fighting. You and the friars are always in my prayers.-Ramona, Orlando, Florida

Dear Fr. Ben, Thank God the trache is finally gone and now you're taking those "baby steps"! I remember when when my wife Denise's right leg was mangled in her auto accident in 2000 and how we used to talk with you about her faith-filled recovery at your Hastings(NY) conferences! God's LOVE is our cure; and FAITH and HOPE are its doctors and nurses! Always remember: some miracles are instantaneous, but most of them take a little longer! And you'll never be what you were before -- like the people in the Gospels who were healed by Christ's saving power, you'll be miraculously BETTER!-Joseph, Shrub Oak, New York

Dear Fr. Benedict: I was unable to sleep tonight, so I got up to see how you were doing. Please know that I continue to keep you and the friars in my prayers. I just wanted to let you know that even at night there are people praying for you, although my favorite time to prayer for you is at Divine Mercy Hour. You are loved by so many! Your friend,- Dawn, Darien, Illinois

Dear Father Benedict, I check your website each and every day to see how you are doing. You are truly an inspiration for all of us on how to stay close to God even in the midst of many trials and tribulations. I really enjoy reading your letters on the website. And I have been learning more from your example on how to stay close to Christ even in all my difficulties. Your website has drawn me closer to God by prayer. I pray for your speedy and full recovery every day and I thank God for you. You are teaching us by your great faith. I pray to have faith like you, May God Bless you and get well soon Father,-Lisa, Elyria, Ohio

Send your greetings to Fr. Benedict

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