E - Mail

Father, I am thrilled that you are going to have a "new" series on EWTN. In this time when so much is being put out there that is not true to our Catholic Faith it is so important that those in our Church who respect it's teachings will use all means available to reach the most people. Thanking God for allowing you to continue to be with us as well as our Holy Father. You are keeping our Church on the right path. With all the prayers and best wishes as you continue in your ministry for the Church and it's people. - Geri, Marion, Iowa

Good morning, Father Benedict. What a good way to reach souls and hearts - the teleconference live. My sister, Linda, and I will be taking my mother out of town that weekend as part of my Mom's 80th birthday gift. We won't be getting back here until after the show on Sunday.

This week a lady who is probably dying taught me a valuable lesson. In the hospital bed next to me, she slept. She had been asleep for 2 weeks. The family was considering hospice care and the day I left, had just decided to do that: to go on with hospice care and "protocol". There is a tendency to "conclude" that people in this woman's condition are not aware of their surroundings. But experience has shown that they are. The TV had been on all the time, but with no sound. About dinner time just before being discharged, I thought to listen to the news. Or some info about the upcoming presidential debate. As I flicked the channels, silently still, I could sense some "arousal" in my roommate, though she was still sleeping. Then I tried to turn the volume up just a little, and again, an audible but very subtle change in her breathing occurred.
So, I did what she wanted me to do - I hope. Just gave up on the TV, left the news channel on but silent, and continued to read. And she seemed peaceful once again. We have to "listen" to dying people and to little children and to God who is speaking to us all the time, and pray and hope that we are hearing them in truth. We mustn't take advantage of their vulnerability or helplessness. Listening at His Feet is what Jesus taught Mary and Martha was "the better thing to do". Please pray for us and Thank you. God bless you and all the hearts and minds who will be reached by the Gifts God has given to you. We will continue to pray for each other. Thank you.