E - Mail

Dear Father Benedict, Lord, have mercy. I found your message on aging particularly moving. I have always loved to talk with the elderly and enjoyed the wisdom that they shared with me about everyday life. They have always understood where I am coming from and the fact that they already have been in my "shoes" has always been helpful. My dad lived until he was 76, and there are times when I think of things I could have asked him. Thankfully, my mother is still alive. Years ago I hated to remember my age and dreaded getting old. This year I turned fifty and I am grateful for the years that God has given me. I was struck by how you were reviewing all that you did in your life prior to the accident, and that you wanted to accomplish more with whatever time you have here. That set my mind in motion and I have been trying to do more for Jesus and the Church, too. Suddenly, my age isn't the matter so much as my ability to do things. Thank you for putting life into such a wonderful perspective. Each day I try to seek the Kingdom first, and I have noticed that when I do, I feel so much peace. I continue to pray for your full recovery. May God bless and keep you. - Charlotte, Chariton, Iowa

Dear Fr Ben, Your last letter was very touching but very real. I've been disabled w/ a stroke and my family has had difficulty w/ acceptance of the change to the Mom. So instead of the gradual aging there's was instantanous but much the same effects.It is difficult and threatening for people to accept change and disability. Noone likes to have to accept a cross or pain or suffer. everyone wants the best.Your wisdom and grace from God speaks volumes about not fearing change if you truly trust in God because He will enable you to cope w/anything but the support of ones family and loves is so important for everyone young and old. Thank you Father for the wonderful insight From one Celtic soul to another - Cathy, from upstate NY

Dear Father Benedict, What a gift for me to read your article, "Getting Old." You could not possibly know that I've been struggling with this for some time, so it was like receiving a little personal note from God. While I am only turning 50 (stop laughing), I've been chronically ill since age seven. I've had diabetes for 43 years, and along with it, some of its ugly complications. This past April I required emergency spine surgery, due to an infection. My added limitations since my surgery has brought all of my limitations to the forefront. While I realize I'm "only" fifty, my illnesses have robbed much from my body, mind, and spirit, making me feel much older. I recently found myself thinking more and more about getting old and how much more limited will I become by the normal aging process, compounded by all my other health problems? I've been asking our Lord to help me live in the now and to grace me so that I do not become overwhelmed by the fear of aging, since I already feel like I'm "behind the eight ball." Reading your article brought immediate peace to me. Your words, "But God keeps us around.....sometimes beyond any real functioning of the powers we once had.....It’s wonderful to belong to a functioning religious order, because this is what happens. How many other people do not have this blessing?" caused me to focus on the gift of belonging to my wonderful family - my husband and three children. Your words did cause me to think about those who are sick and growing old without the gift of others. Thank you for being "out there!" I'm glad God likes using the Web! May He Bless you and keep you around for many, many more years. Peace and all good things, - Carmela,

Thank you, Father Roemer! Thank you Father Benedict, Father Glen, and all the friars. Your daily commentaries on the Scriptures are wonderful, very helpful to my prayer life and spiritual growth in the love of Our Lord. Thank you for sacrifices for our souls and for giving God so much glory. Your sister in Christ, - Mary,

Fr, I continue to follow your recovery each day, God has been wonderful to leave you with us for awhile longer. I continue to share all the messages with my friends who don't have computers. I also share Fr. Glenn's messages in the Greyfriar news, these are wonderful. My friends look forward to all these words of wisdom. Fr., I will be going to Enders Island on 10/5/04 to see you. - Mary, Rhode Island

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