Dear friends of Fr. Benedict,

From The Hospital

April 17, 2004

One of the things that you learn in the hospital is that death is not far away from any of us. Two people have died in the last week. Although elderly, their passing brought sorrow and grief to their families. This is a bit puzzling since their quality of life was very poor. It is explained by the fact that God has endowed us with an instinctual fear of death - and also because death is a parting.

For the person who does not believe or whose faith is weak, it is also a frightening reality; but for the Christian believer death is the entrance into life. In the past, even the Funeral Mass concentrated on the sad and fearful aspects of death. Now the liturgy more appropriately calls us to joyful hope and fervent prayer for our loved one who is gone.

My experience in the two months when I was on a respirator and unable to speak, eat, or drink gave me a new view of purgatory. I used to joke about this reality - I will not joke again because in some ways, I was there.

Saint Thomas More in his great prayer in the Tower of London while awaiting execution prayed: "to have ever before mine eyes my death which is ever at hand, to pray for pardon before the judge comes and to have continually in mind the passion that Christ suffered for me". What we learn from the words of this great saint is how we must get ready and how we find the real meaning of life with its suffering and with its hope.

Let us continue to pray for each other!

Father Benedict

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Dear Father G, My name is Gabrielle but my nickname is G. On May 15 my second grade class will make our first holy communion. Grandma and I pray for you and all our other family and friends when we drive to school every day. We are praying that you can be well enough to say you mass prayers for all of us making first communion in May. Please don't give up. You can do it and get back on tv so we can see that you are well again. Love, G Waukesha, Wisconsin

God Bless You Father - and keeping you in our prayers each day - watched your video on the pilgrimage to the concentration camps which was on tonight - and such sadness - your prayers and your sayings and your influence - was so meaningful - I did not see the beginning of it - but what I saw and what you said I will not forget - nor will others - you have been so many places and you are in so many places inthe heart - do not forget that - and keep on praying the rosary and continuing your messages God Bless - Vivian, Oswego, New York

Dear Father Benedict, Your preaching about the meaning of suffering takes on a new dimension. Thanks for your dedication, and God protect you.- Carlos, Guayama, Puerto Rico

Hi Father! GREAT to hear your voice!!! Keep fighting "the good fight!" Love, your "student" -Tom, Yorba Linda, California

Good Morning! I was blessed last evening when I was able to view a film clip of Fr. Benedict G. in his hospital bed! It was soooo gooood to see and hear him speak. Many thanks Father for making the effort to create such a meaningful piece of film! Please, continue to get well. Our prayers have you covered 24-7. Love, in Jesus & Mary, -Andree, Watertown, New York

God bless you, Father. May God continue His work in you. His will be done.-Charles, Bronx, New York

Dear Benedict, I have had problems with the computer, so I hope this one reaches you. Good to see that you are making progress. I know that over here Youth 2000 and the poor Clares are busy praying for you, as indded I am myself. I have written to you by normal mail, which I hope will catch up with you eventually. I look forward to seeing you able to write and produce tapes again, but as we know God will act according to his timetable and not ours! I hope your book "Reform Now" will see the light of day shortly. so many people in Religious Life see you as out prophet in theses days of unbelief and half baked religious Life -, I'm sure you would cringe at such a compliment, but my Religious life changed the day I saw "The reform of renewal" in the Saint Paul's Bookshop in Liverpool. I will be in Rome & Assisi @ May 24, and remember you in a special way at the shrines of saint Francis and saint Clare. Many Blessings. -Br. Frank, Leeds, W.Yorkshire UNITED KINGDOM

Dear Father Benedeict+ my heart and prayers are with you+ may the Lord restore you to health quickly so that you may continue your ministry+ thank you for the precious gift you are to all of us + your brother in Augustine, -Jerome, o.s.a. chicago, Illinois

Dear Fr. Benedict, I just clicked on to your Easter message and heard and read your message. Thank you, I needed that. Thank you for sharing your suffering and consolation that through accepting our cross that we are and should be like Jesus who "shrank" from it but accepted the Father's will for a glorious outcome. I was moved by your message and touched to know that you still continue to pray for us in your hardship. Crosses come in different sizes and have different affects and effects. It is sometimes hard to realize and accept the thought that crosses are the means of reproving, meriting, and sacrificing. Please continue to pray for the children, youth, and families. May Jesus be at your side and your order along w/ Mary's love and protection.Gene, Largo, Florida

Dear Father Benedict,you are included in my daily rosary for a quick recovery and a return to the flock so we can be fed.-kim, Carencro, Los Angelas

Send your greetings to Fr. Benedict

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