Dear friends of Fr. Benedict,

From the Hospital:

Message for Easter Friday, April 16, 2004

When we run into difficult situation, we often find that family and friends come to our assistance, and that can be a most consoling thing. The brothers and sisters of our community, together with my own family and friends, have made this difficult experience much more bearable. I will always be grateful to them. There are, however, the times when you are alone. As I look around the nursing home where I am recovering at the moment, I see so many elderly people and even those in their late sixties and early seventies with illnesses, who appear to be terribly alone. It seems tragic. Wouldn't it be wonderful in our society if it became a custom among Christians to visit one sick person, one lonely person, in a nursing home or hospital every week? It would turn Sunday morning after Mass into a time of great blessedness. In my present situation I am aware that there are so many good people who for one reason or another have no one to support them. Jesus says in St. Matthew's Gospel: "I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me." It's a good resolution to make.

Let us continue to pray for each other!

Father Benedict

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Dear Father Benedict, Lord, have mercy. Just a little note to let you know that you are ever in my prayers. I received my tape and look forward to watching it this weekend. What a glorious Lent and Easter we all have had. I know that I can only speak for myself, but isn't just amazing how your accident, this website, and our trust in Christ has encouraged us to pray, everday, with all of our hearts? I know that I have grown and changed because of the prayer. I remember how I felt when I watched your series, "Where do we go from here?" I wondered how we'd get through it. Well, looks like we did and it is because we are focusing on Jesus. Thank you. I am so grateful that I am able to send emails to an author and a speaker that I love so much and that I might otherwise never have been able to express my gratitude towards. God bless and keep you.-Charlotte, Chariton, Iowa

Benedict, Fr. Valenti, at St. John the Baptist, Yonkers, told me that during his visit with you, you asked him to remember you to me and the family. I have been following the events of your accident and journey to recovery. I pray that it wil be soon. I also pray that you are comfortable and free of pain. We are happy at St. Johns to be able to offer space to the friars for their Catholic Underground program. It is really heart warming to see how the Friars of the Renewal have increased in numbers and how energetic and passionate they are in their ministry. I remember when the first couple of candidates were just following you around trying to find themselves. How time flies! By the way, June 2nd will be my 25th year in the diaconate. I remember as though it was yesterday, my mass of thanksgiving, when you honored me as homilist. When you are stronger and able I would like to speak with you. Right now, just think about getting better.-Marty, Yonkers, New York

In the traditional expression, we wish you a "refuah shleimah" which can be translated simply as "GET WELL, SHNELL!" May the Good Lord continue to watch over you and grant you long life, good health, peace, joy and happiness and of course, a quick and speedy recovery!-Charlotte & Al, East Brunswick, New Jersey

Dear Fr. Benedict Groeschel; I'm so glad you are doing so much better...we are in need of inspiring people as yourself! Please pray for peace in our world and the conversion of sinners. Please add a pray for me too! God Bless you!-Corie, Normady Park, Washington

Dear Father B., I pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet for you and yes we serve an Awsome God. Get Well Soon-Adam, BEAUMONT, Texas

Hi Fr. Benedict, I have an idea for the title of you new book..."On Being (a) Patient" . I think getting a first hand account of the thoughts and feelings of someone 'on the mend' would be very valuable. We (as a society) often don't see past the disability or handicap to realize the Jesus in all of us. You truely are an inspiration to all of us. God Bless you and all your caregivers.-Deb, Wilmington, Delaware

Fr.Benedict: I love you!! Whenever I listen to Catholic radio and I hear your voice I feel so very close to God, you are such a gift from "Himself". Prayers go to the heart of our God....He most certainly hears ours for you! You're the best!-Kathleen, West Bloomfield, Michigan

Dear Father Benedict, just a reminder that this Friday, the 16th, is the feast of Saint Bernadette! I will pray the rosary for us that day. I have become a fan of yours, I read your Lenten meditations book, and just bought 2 more. Lord Have Mercy. Best Wishes to you... -Lorraine, Jefferson, Oregon

Dear Father Benedict, It is so very good to actually hear your voice again. You have been in the prayers of the Bethel Contingent that used to travel to Rye to learn from you. How we miss our trips. Dorothy is slowly recovering from her fall, and is still in therapy. We continue to pray for your speedy recovery, and ask you to keep your "Bethel Buddies" in your prayers as you offer up this trying time. I know there is much for you to still accomplish with all of us who still need your guidance. What you don't have right now, is much less than what you do!-Louise, Conn.

Dear Fr. Benedict, Great to know you are getting better. In your picture you look like Laurence Olivier in King Lear. That's meant as a compliment, thanks for a good week at Trinity,-Ed, Larchmont, New York

Send your greetings to Fr. Benedict

FastCounter by bCentral