Dear friends of Fr. Benedict,

Letter From The Hospital

March 29, 2004

Hospitals give you lots of time to think. They permit you to stand back from life and to look at the meaning of suffering, error, even of the wickedness of one person to another. At present we're likely to be in the hospital only a few days, perhaps a shorter time than we should be. The longer we stay - the more opportunity we have to think about life and its meaning. How sad it is to see people spend the whole time watching television instead of considering their own thoughts and positions.

It takes a real effort to stop and take stock of yourself, because in our society, even religious people, are not accustomed to doing this. Everyone, sick or well, would be very wise to build into their schedule a time to think about God, and to think about themselves in relationship to God - from Whom we come and to Whom we return.

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Dear Father Benedict, I am glad to hear that you are on the mend. I just viewed your two tapes from the Grassroots Renewal Project, about the crisis in the Catholic Church and the persecution of the Church by the media. They were both excellent. I wish every Catholic in the U.S. could see them and think about how the churchis being humiliated and demonized by the media. I continue to pray for your complete return to good health. Would you please pray for my 14 year old daughter Laura? I've had to hospitalize her for depression and suicidal thoughts.I am beside myself with worry. Please ask your community to enfold her into their prayers. I am so afraid for her.Thank you and God Bless You!-Christine, Fairview Park, Ohio

Dear Fathers Benedict and Glenn, Thank you for your calm and faithful resignation to God's will, it is like a candle in these confused times. I thank God each time I think of you and your brother Franciscans, and pray this website will lead us all to deeper compassion for each other, and all those we meet in our daily lives. I'm keeping your messages to reflect on, and do pray tomorrow's will see you in better health.-Veronica, Wattle Park, SA

Sorry to read about two steps backwards, just hope that you continue to go forward. My wife and I found a parallel between zero tolerance, Good Friday video, and the Gospel for the fifth week of lent. Nice to know there are still some voices left in the wilderness. Perhaps one day reason will prevail.-The Petrie's, Moreno Valley, California

Please Fr. Glenn: Take note of the wonderful suggestion of another writer in todays email column that stated "Father Benedicts daily messages" be incorporated into a phamphlet of sorts, and distributed to patients (Catholic) and anyone else interested, in hospitals. I cannot think of a better pastoral care package than that! The wonderful people that write in this column are quite creative at times. God bless them all for their continued love and support on a daily basis.-Jacqueline, Batavia, New York

Fr. Ben. The boys at Children's Village still are asking about you. We have our new Preisdent/CEO at the Village and he seems to be fine. I thank you for the reminder that "nothing is worse than wasted suffering" Seems to me that is what separates believers from people who are left with only questions and difficult conclusions. Delighted to hear from your writing the message!!!-Rev. Holby, Dobbs Ferry, New York

Jesus, Mary and Joseph pray for us. I too join with them and all the members of the Franciscan Friars along with the wonderful team who look after this site and who work diligently to keep us little ones of Jesus and Mary up to date. My love to each and every one of you. You have enriched my life beyone measure. Please do not ever take your calendar off the Internet. As I relisten and reread of the miracles of heaven bestowed on all of us through the sufferings of Father Benedict. Love being the greatest force on earth you are all surrounded with the love of each and every one of us out here who daily visit Franciscan Friars.com-Hope, Harbour, NF,Canada

Dear Fr. Benedict, I am a member of the Oratory of Divine Love in Fredericksburg, Va. My fellow members and I want you to know that you have been such an inspiration to all of us through the prayerful meditations and your steadfast love of our Lord, Jesus Christ. It's wonderful to know you are speaking again and have the best of care. God always provides! May he continue to bless you and heal you through your courage and the many prayers offered up for you.-Christine, Spotsylvania, Virginia

Thank goodness your golden tongue was not damaged in the accident. I'm with "Anne of Kentucky"---I can't wait to read the book either! :-) God bless.-Roxanne of Ignatius Press, San Francisco, California

Dear Father, Our "Ambassador of the Gospel in chains," it's so nice to "hear" your voice again to help us with our suffering in your suffering You bless us! We LOVE you. - Joann, Utica, New York

Dear Father, Thank you so much for your example and for your wit and wisdom which springs from your most holy faith. So many times have your messages on EWTN touched me even though I am not currently a practicing Catholic. I'm working my way back to the Church. I am blind and I also have many chronic illnesses which forced me to retire early from my social work practice. God and I are still working that out. May our Saviour continue to heal and strengthen you during this special Lenten season and may He continue to use your recorded words to bring many back into the Catholic Church and to strengthen and encourage those who are suffering. I pray for you often. "No weapon which has been formed against you shall prosper." - Dawnelle, Portsmouth, Virginia

When I heard about your accident (thru EWTN on the internet), I almost freaked out. You are admired and loved by so many people, as you know from all the emails coming your way. We see Christ in you, Fr. Groeschel. The accident was awful, but because of it, I find myself praying not only for your complete restored health, but also praying for those that email their crosses which they carry. God is continues to work through you even in your weakest time. May He heal you and hug you always. Carol, Naperville, Illinious

Send your greetings to Fr. Benedict

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