Dear friends of Fr. Benedict,

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From the Hospital:

Message for Holy Thursday, April 8, 2004

One of the beautiful things about being in most hospitals at the present time is the presence of Eucharistic ministers. Well-organized and well-trained Eucharistic ministers who are well dressed, reverently silent, and yet friendly are a wonderful experience for devout people who are hospitalized. On

Holy Thursday, the anniversary of the institution of the Holy Eucharist, it is worthwhile to acknowledge chaplains and their assistants who quietly bring the essential elements of the Last Supper to countless people.

Although we hear complaints about Eucharistic ministers who are not well trained or prayerful or who are too casual, my experience has been very positive. Jesus tells us that He will be with us until the end of the world. The Blessed Sacrament is the clearest sign of this divine presence.

On Holy Thursday we all need to reexamine our response to Christ's Eucharistic presence. As St. Augustine says, "The only thing I really fear is Jesus passing by."

Let us continue to pray for each other!

Father Benedict

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Dearest Fr. Benedict! I hope that you are having a fabulous day on your speedy way to recovery. So this afternoon I was doing outlines for my AP US History class. I took a break from it to read your daily letter! At that moment my mom comes into my room to see how I was doing. She had heard about your accident a few months ago, but this was the first time that I had ever let her see a picture of you. I showed her the video on carrying your cross. As I was watching it for the thousanth time (in never gets boring!) I see my mom behind me about ready to cry. She was so moved and so touched by you! So know that you're continuing to touch people everyday! Much love from a 17 year old California surfer girl who doesn't mind listening to Bach or reading the works of -Cardinal Newman!, San Diego , California

I just checked the site and I am in tears hearing Fr. speak from the hospital bed, I am so happy that he looks and sounds so good, God is tuly a merciful and loving Father. Know that Benedict and all of you will be in my prayers and thoughts this holy week and may he live to see the work of his hands increase 10000000 times! Stolat BJ! Pax et Bonum, John Connelly (OFM CAP -1980-1987 - Trinity Alumni)-John, Bethpage, New York

Dear Father Benedict, Praise the Lord.May Almighty Lord Bless you and touch you through HIS Son Jesus Christ. Happy Easter . With Love and Prayers-Hari, New Delhi, INDIA

Dear Fr. Groeschel: A few years ago, I heard someone say that without Good Friday, there could never be Easter. He expounded on this by saying, "Just when everything looked hopeless as the beaten Christ hung there on the cross and it appeared that things couldn't possibly get any worse on that Good Friday, without this day, Easter would have never occurred." At times, I think of this statement, when I'm going through a difficult time and it helps to know that Easter did occur and that I do have reason to rejoice. I have not seen your "Good Friday video, but I will order it and am sure your words of wisdom will inpsire me, as usual. I log on to check on your progress everyday. It NEVER ceases to amaze me, that day after day after day after day, how loved you are and how many lives you've touched, both young and old alike. Thank you for being such an obedient servant and helping all of us through tough times in our lives. You are truly loved by many! God bless you and a Blessed Easter to you, all of the friars and sisters in your community.- Sally, Stamford, Conneticut

Dear Fr. Groeschel, It is an incredible grace that not only did you survive such a close brush with death, but that you have come back and are able to be so wonderfully instructive and articulate on behalf our beautiful Faith. Not only is it truly a grace that you are still able to continue to teach us, but the substance of your experience has been broadened, and therefore the graces that we receive through your teachings will be enriched. I pray that any disappointment you feel by the partial confinement of your convalescence be replaced by the consolation of all of the appreciation, love, and prayers that are being sent your way. May God continue to bless you, and I will be praying and meditating with you (and for you) during this Good Friday.-Eric, (Santa Cruz, California

Hi Father Benedict: It's Len...with a prayer for you to have a serene and fulfilling Easter! Each night's visit to the CFR website is not only like a personal visit with you, but reading your short clips has enabled me to share in the pain and revelations of your recovery. Seems like there may be a new book in the months to come!!(:-)) Can't wait. I am staying tuned. Love,-Leonora, Manhattan, New York

Dear Fr. Glen & Fr. Groeshel: I want to wish you a Blessed Easter. I am so thankful that I can come to this website and read your daily reflections/teachings even from your sick bed! What a joy and comfort they are to me right now. Thank you for those messages and press on. Blessed Easter to you and all the friars & sisters & all who continue to help you in your work. -Zerline J., New York

Dear Father Benedict, thank you for letting us visit you in the hospital. I love being a part of your family and checking your progress every day. With humility and sincerity I pray for you each day.-Michele, Sparks, Nevada

Hi Father G: Short and Sweet! Thank you for getting better! !Love! Chrissy Date Submitted: -Chrissy, Glen Ellyn, Illinois

My husband, George, and I pray a Rosary each and every day for your intentions and your speedy recovery. Be patient, it will work!! All of our love to you, Fr. Benedict-Gay, Jefferson, Los Angelas

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