Dear friends of Fr. Benedict,

Available Now
Good Friday
Video Series

"The Wounds of Christ and The Wounds of The Church"

Order Your Copy at:
www.grassrootsrenewal.com

From the Hospital:

Message for Good Friday, April 9, 2004

A hospital, especially one dedicated to the care of people with chronic physical disabilities and particularly extreme old age, is a remarkable place to spend Good Friday.

"Behold the wood of the cross." All around you people are experiencing their personal Calvary. But when you think of it, this is true in any neighborhood, any family, any place where human beings gather. Even working in a business office there are people going through their personal Calvary or, unfortunately, their personal hell. And this is why the great message of Good Friday is charity. God so loved the world that He sent His Son, and His Son brought us salvation and the hope of eternal life. Even the criminals and sadists who led Christ to Calvary were included in His prayer: "Father, forgive them."

In a very touching scene in The Passion, when Jesus, beaten and exhausted, meets Mary on the way to Calvary, the character of Jesus, borrowing from the book of Revelation, says, "Behold, I make all things new." Some of the early Church Fathers tell us that among those gathered to receive the Holy Spirit at Pentecost were some who had shouted "Crucify Him!" in Pilate's courtyard.

By faith even those in very desperate situations can participate in the commemoration and reality of Good Friday. It's everybody's feast day.

Let us continue to pray for each other!

Father Benedict

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Dear Father Benedict: I am missing you so much I turned on your video "Seven Virtues" at 5:30 this morning. Your messages touch my soul and heart and although these 2 tapes were produced 10 years ago, they haven't lost anything. I gain spiritually every time I listen to you. May Jesus give you peaceful rest and fruitful healing this Easter. Thank you for all you do for so many. We are blessed. With warmest love and best wishes, Sincerely,-Ethna, Bronx, New York

I can't believe that on Holy Thursday you would be so kind and humble as to show gratitude for Eucharistic ministers. I dont know why, but this has penetrated my very heart. I think that lately you are more like Christ than before. You dont look angry or annoyed. I can read every day how He is teaching you and showing you more and more that you may have missed being so busy. And we are also reaping the benefits of your lessons because you courageously share them with us. I like you even more now than I did before. I hope I havent hurt your feelings... I like the rough tough you a little bit, but I love the gentler you. Big deal,right? Who am I..no one. Millions of people were happy with you as you were. Well now there's millions plus one...catching All the fish. I'm writing to cheer you, but I don't think its coming across right. MY goodness..Please be well and be at peace and for what its worth, what I'm trying to say so clumsily is that I think you're more effective now than ever before. I'm just so sorry you are suffering for it. Just like Jesus. He was stuck on a cross...you're stuck in a bed. Love to you...Be at peace. All will be well.-Linda, Woodhaven, New York

Dear Father Benedict, Friars, Brothers and all of you Grassroots people who keep us updated on Father Benedict's progress: A Blessed Easter to you all and those caring for Father Benedict. "May you know the love of Christ and be filled with all the fullness of God". Love in Christ Jesus,-Mari-Ellen, mclean, Virginia

Dear Father Benedict A grace-filled Sacred Triduum and Easter to you and to each of the Friars and Sisters! I wrote to you soon after your accident telling you of my prayer support and deep gratitude for all your kindness. When I was in Yantai, Shandong, you sent us some of the Chinese editions of your books. We continue to be so grateful. I did not see my note to you among the others and fear you may not have received it. I am most grateful for your website which keeps us up-to-date on your condition and am praying for a speedy recovery. Thank you for all you are and all you do for our beloved Church. Please do pray for us here in Zhengzhou, Henan. God bless you!-Sr.Pamela Marie, RGS, Zhengzhou, Henan

I think of you and I hope you are doing well. I know that if it was not for you, Father, and your crisis, the Church in this country might not be healed from the other crisis that it is going through now. I hope that your sufferings, while we watch, heal our Church. You are a good man, Father G., and only good men can heal.-Ellen, Morris, Conn.

Dear Fr. Benedict! How wonderful it was to see and hear you speak from your hospital bed. I have received my copy of The Wounds of Christ and the Wounds of the Church and look forward to seeing it tonight. Thank you for your witness to His love. What a comfort you are to we sheep who wait to hear of your progress each day. We love you. And we need you. Blessigs on you this holiest of weeks, I wish you a Resurrection experience! Thank you for your love and your faith and your dint of will. I hope you fall asleep in Our Lady's arms tonight.-Phoebe, Voorhees, New Jersey

Dear Father Benedict, I have been following your progress daily these past few months, however when I saw your video clip and heard your voice it shook me to my soul. It reminded me of a difficult time in my life when I was trying to figure out God's plan for me and your "OUT OF THE DARKNESS" series helped me find the way. I have prayed for you these many months and I am glad to see that you have found your way back from death's doorstep. Thank You for providing me with daily inspiration.-Richard, Rome New York

I love you Fr. Benedict...you look great! What a wonderful surprise to have posted a current photograph of you! It is nice to finally see your face again! You continue to be especially in my thoughts and prayers. Love, -Patricia, Island , New York

I am the Director of the Hubbard House, the hospital hospitality house, where your family and friends stayed during your recent accident. We prayed for you every night here and asked for a miracle and God granted it. God Bless you and your family this Easter Holiday Season and remember those families still here and new ones who are experiencing their loved ones trauma.-Peggy, Orlando, Florida

Dear Father Benedict--I hope to meet you someday.And I hope you get well. You are also in our prayers.LOVE -THERESE, AGE 9. Lakewood, California

Send your greetings to Fr. Benedict

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