Dear friends of Fr. Benedict,

From The Hospital

March 30,2004

One of the very best things about hospitals is that they bring together a lot of people who should be turning to God. Not just patients, but the staff. This may explain that in the past, all hospitals had religious orientations and names. But even now, the amount of religious belief to fervor in the hospitals is quite amazing. I have been in secular hospitals since my accident in January. I have found them to be at least even superficially religious. I've given out dozens of my books to staff members who were exceptionally kind - they were all very blessed to receive them. The visits of the groups of our brothers and sisters were the object of much courtesy and positive talk. The other night six sister novices came and sung in my room such traditional hymns as "Jesus, Joy of men's deserving." Their presence in the hospital evolved a very positive reaction. Part of the reason is that people are not only looking to save life - but they also wonder what happens when life is over. A positive expression of faith reassures them that we are the creatures of a Merciful God. Something that many do not know.

Let us continue to pray for each other!

Father Benedict

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Father Benedict: Now if my Grammy was around, she'd get a piece of round steak and barely brown it and squeeze out the juice. It would build up your blood. I think they are giving you too much blood thinner. Are you taking vitamins? iron pills? You need a Mama there so we shall pray for a good sensible Sister to take over feeding you. We continue to pray for you and know that this is another trial but you will get through it. Praise be Jesus! - Janice, Palm Desert, California

Dear Father, Please be strong and don't give up hope. Your series on suffering with Dr. Hildenbrand have helped us all so much,we need your wisdom, help and sense of humor. I heard you say once that you liked to look at the stars, so do I. So everynight I look out my window and the first star I see I say , this ones for you Father Benedict. Be brave, if you can't then who can. We love you and need you. I pray to Padre Pio every morning to help you. - Melinda, Frederick, Maryland

You are doing God's work, even in your pain. Thank you from a Benedictine Oblate (hope you don't mind a Benedictine praying for ya). - M.E. Iowa

Fr. Benedict: You are truly an inspiration to many, including me. Your faithfulness through adversity, and the fact that you still are concerned more for others than for yourself, despite your own difficulties right now, has truly inspired me and helped me to realize that our sufferings are indeed for God. Also, through our own sufferings, we will be able to have more compassion for others, just as Christ has compassion for us through His suffering. We are to stay strong and continue with our Faith, and He will bring us through all things. Thank you for being such a great lift of joy to me, and I look forward to seeing you back on Television again with another new series! Get well. We are praying for you daily. - Dennis, N. Richland Hills, Texas

Fr. Benedict, we love you and we thank you for all your suffering !! Every night we read and sometimes, reread the magnificent e-mail's from all over the world to you. We are awed by the countless numbers of souls you have saved and continue to save each and every day!! We remember you in daily Mass and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy every night. God Bless You Father and grant you thorough healing and a quick therapy - without too much pain! Fr. Benedict - you are truly God's special grace to all of us during this LENT! Through you, with you, we are all closer to God, the Holy Spirit and the Blessed Mother this Lent.....GOD BLESS ALL THE FRIARS OF THE RENEWAL.....Fr. Glenn, we thank you and all the Friars for the great job you are doing to keep us posted on Fr. Benedict's journey to great health again. - Ed & Ann, Hackettstown, New Jersey

I have been trying to find God's purpose for me. Magically, while you recuperate, your messages are still being delivered via. taped sessions! Every time I hear you speak, I am moved. Something about your words, your voice, your matter of factness reaches into me. You motivate me to be a better Christian. You help me to understand what that means. I pray you get well and continue your mission. We need you. - Ed Happe, Washington, Pennslyvania

Hi dear Fr Benedict....sorry for your little setback...but we are believers & trusting in the Lord's Divine Providence...I believe a little glass of vino would help your problem....My beloved father Bernardo lived to 104 yrs & sipped his vino each night at dinner....continuing our prayers through Cardinal Cooke & Blessed Mother Theresa...with much love - Mary DeAngelis, Virgin Islands

Dear Fr. Groeschel...I'm so grateful for all that you do for the church. It is so comforting to know you're there. I'm amazed that even in the midst of your own suffering, you still manage to educate and feed us. You're in my prayers. I hope you're well soon. Sincerely - Karen, Grosse Pointe Farms, Missouri

Father Bendict, I am so very sorry to here about your admission to the hospital once more. You are always in my prayers and thoughts as well as the other Friars. I do hope you make a speedy recovery and get make on your feet soon! Currently at work, no flights as of yet...let's just call it a good day! - Debbie , Air Care Team - flight nurse, Melbourne, Florida

Dear Father Groeschel, You are the classic case of "My Ways are not your ways" as the Holy Scriptures tell us. We, the people that love you, would have you seated on a cushion, eating bonbons, knowing that it wouldn't spoil you, but just wanting to see you well. But, OH NO! in the hospital again! OUCH! His Ways are Wonderful beyond all telling, but it grieves us to see it happen to you. Father, our country is NOT on a downhill slide, it's an avalanche of evil everywhere. I thank God for your witness even in the midst of Sodom and Gomorrah. - Marsha, Framingham, Massachusetts

Send your greetings to Fr. Benedict

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