Dear friends of Fr. Benedict,
Today is Wednesday, January 14, and here is a brief update on Fr. Benedict's condition.
Fr. Benedict appears to be "the same" as yesterday - at least externally; sedated, in a sleep-like state and lightly assisted by a respirator. However, being "the same" is actually good -- he hasn't lost any ground. The body is healing itself and this takes time - God willing, these are the first steps along a long road to recovery.
Tonight, between six and eight o'clock (EST) a well-know and highly esteemed trauma surgeon will be operating on his broken right arm. The mere fact that they have opted for surgery indicates a certain amount of "strength in the system." Doctors don't like taking chances if they don't have to. So, in short, we should see this as a positive sign. I imagine, based on the results of this somewhat "minor" surgery, they will attempt to work on his broken right leg. The nurses told me everything has to be done in small doses -- sort of "spoon feeding" an infant. The next spoonful depends on how well the baby consumes the first. Once again, these are the slow, preliminary steps Father has to take weeks, perhaps months before his feet touch the floor.
While there appears to be some semblance of stability in his condition, I believe the real concern is his heart. The heart may be considered the "weak link" in a chain which could not be called strong. He is elderly and has had some health problems in the past, now add the unexpected trauma of being hit by a car…. So, you see how much he needs our prayers. He's walking a very fine line, a "tightrope," that a strong young man could walk away from if he fell. So, our job is to extend our hands to the heavens and support him step-by-step.
I told Fr. Benedict that his friends throughout the world were praying for him -- and friends "outside" too -- especially his friend in heaven, Mother Teresa of Calcutta. In fact, we received a call today from India where the sisters and others gathered about the tomb of Blessed Teresa to pray for Fr. Benedict. I should note that when I say that I "spoke" to Father, I mean that I am doing so with no indication that he is hearing me; but I suspect our words are making their way through the medicated "fog." Many, many former patients who were deeply sedated attest that they heard everything said to them, even when they were unable to move a muscle. Today, we prayed the rosary, recited the Divine Office (Midday Prayer), and read through a number of beautiful prayers of Saint Thomas Aquinas in both Latin and English. I was hoping Father would grimace a bit as I stumbled through some of the more complicated Latin words!
I have made arrangements to have two friars come to Florida each week on a rotating basis. Tomorrow Fr. Conrad and Br. Sharbel will arrive and spend a week. The following Thursday, they will switch with another Priest and brother. I pray the Most Merciful Lord will hear our prayers so that many friars will have the privilege of supporting him emotionally and spiritually. We are ready, willing, and able through the grace of God to walk with our brother the whole way to perfect health. Once again, may I take this opportunity to speak on behalf of the friars, indeed, Father Benedict himself, and say, "Thank you, thank you, thank you." We are well aware that your generous response to this sad and unexpected event is the result of one man's heroic love of God and neighbor. Your love for him has extended towards us, and while we are undeserving, we are humbled and deeply grateful. How many times have we received a call asking, "What do you need? Anything, just ask!" You can't imagine how touched we are to see the outpouring of concern. My God, what a wonderful Catholic faith we have! Of course, such unity and love will never make the papers, and perhaps they are more pleasing to God when they don't. But your love has made a headline in my heart and in the hearts of all the friars!
I will be returning to the hospital tomorrow morning. Hopefully to receive some more good news. I will be briefly returning back to New York, but before returning to the friary, I will attempt to give you another update from the Youth 2000 office in Brooklyn.
Let us stretch out our arms to heaven and hands to him who needs our support. There is no distance in the Body of Christ. The Spirit has made us one. This is why we are all suffering. This is why we are all praying. This is why we will all be grateful. Good night and God bless you.
Oh, Mother of God! We love you! Jesus, we trust in you!!
- Fr. Glenn Sudano, C.F.R. Franciscans of the Renewal
Send your greetings to Fr. Benedict
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||