Today is Saturday, January 24. Here is the latest update on Fr. Benedict.

Some of you may be surprised that I got tonight's update on line earlier than usual. David Miller, our 18-year-old "Web Master" who resides at the Saint Francis House in Brooklyn will be attending a Youth 2000 weekend held on Long Island. He wanted to be present at tonight's procession of the Blessed Sacrament and asked if we could get this update early! David and the thousands of dedicated and faithful teenagers will never make it to the newspapers. Thousands of kids like David showed up for the Right to Life March - did the world get this news? No. But we know the truth, and that truth does indeed give us hope! Thank you, David, and the many, many young people like you who give us hope.

I just got off the phone with Fr. Sylvester. The operation, which was scheduled for today, has been postponed until Monday. Not because of any problem with Father, but probably because of another emergency. Father is still awake and engaged. Father Sylvester told me Father was "annoyed" when he heard his surgery was postponed! Come on, Fr. B., you relax, we pray, and you'll be out of bed before you know it!

I was also told he was presented with his religious habit with its wooden rosary; both will be close by beckoning him to better health. The relics are now suspended in a plastic bag near his head so he can see them and seek the intercession of his friends. Someone sent a relic of Saint Benedict Joseph Labre, Fr. Benedict's namesake. My God, it's getting crowded in that room - just like Fr. B. likes it!

Here are some e-mail's, which will be read to Father either tonight or tomorrow morning. If you don't see your E-mail posted in the days and perhaps weeks to come, I PROMISE YOU, Father will read or hear about each one! God bless you! We love you, Father B!

__________________________________________________________________________________________

"I am a fifth-grader at Little Flower School here in Hollywood, Florida. I was introduced to you on EWTN. My whole family of seven prays for your recovery. Your words and works have been an inspiration for my family and me. You are in our prayers... - Spencer K.

"This is your little brother in Christ... Please know that I am praying for you daily and I miss you. Please get well soon so that you can give me some advice and counsel and a good smack once in a while to keep me in line! May the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob heal you and may you find rest in His arms. Until we see each other again I will pray for you. Your little Jewish brother in Christ Jesus…" - B.F., Helena, Montana

"I feel like the little one in 'The King and I', when Anna is leaving." "Please, oh please, don't leave. - I believe in snow! Please, oh please, don't leave, Fr. Benedict -- I believe in your God and mine. God's peace." - J.C. West Newton, Pennsylvania

"Here in Vladivostok, Russia we are rejoicing that you have woken up after a restful sleep, and that we can communicate directly to you our love and to tell you that we are keeping you in all our community and liturgical prayers. May God give you patience, and strength, healing and a sure knowledge of His love for you. We love you and are grateful for your ministry to us and to the Universal Church over the years!" - Fr. D. M., Vladivostok, Russia

"I pray daily for your recovery. We had the best Christmas ever this year! My son returned to the Church after listening to you on EWTN..." E.D., Danville, Pennsylvania

"I am Orthodox and a Roman Catholic friend told me about what had happened to you. I like you a lot because you often mention the Orthodox who, like yourself, love the Virgin Mary Theotokos (God-bearer). I hope you get better soon and know that I am praying for your recovery. With much hope." - S.H., Ottawa, Canada

"I was raised a Baptist, but have never been touched more in the worship of God than by you. Your programs mean more to me than any sermon from Billy Graham or those 'born again' evangelists. I am still a Baptist, but I watch your program on EWTN at 9 pm on Sundays. You are truly a magnificent person and a man of God. God bless you and get well." - J.A., Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey

"You have consistently been a light in this great darkness. Mean it!! Yea, your name is with me daily at the altar. I am also a 'street fighter' (from the Bronx) We don't talk funny - some people 'listen funny'" - Fr. C.D., Bath, New Hampshire

"You have fed the sheep well! I recall you saying that if and when you were dying you wanted to be filmed: and God in His infinite wisdom has done you one better...you're all over the internet!.., Please don't leave us, because the sheep are still very hungry...Wishing you all of His blessings… - P.O., Springfield, Illinois

"Thank you for such a beautiful video of Fr. Groeschel, who is living proof of how we may 'follow Jesus', carrying the cross with hope and love. God bless you on this day of penance, forgiveness, and hope for our country (Jan. 22, 2004)" - C.A. Baton Rouge. Louisiana

"Oh how I cried when I received Father Glenn's latest E-mail. Praise God in His love and mercy. I will continue to pray for your full recovery! Pax et Bonum! G.S., Royal Palm Beach, Florida

"While I pray to Our Lord for you at this, your difficult time, I cannot avoid thinking when we prayed together at the Padre Pio Shelter as I was going through difficult times myself. Today I pray for you, my friend. May the Lord be with you always. Your brother in Christ." - N.Y., Bronx, NY

"Father Benedict, I met you 2 years ago at the March For Life. I will never forget the feeling when I shook your hand. I am 15-years-old now but still remember that moment. My family is praying for you." - C.B., Hickory, North Carolina

"Our love and prayers are with you, Fr. Benedict! We pray if it be God's will, you return to good health soon. We miss you so very much. God love you and grant you a speedy recovery. With much appreciation for all your love and spiritual guidance". -J & T H., Brisbane Queensland, Australia

"God bless you, Father Groeschel. Mary will be there for you". -Livingston, Scotland

"Best wishes for a speedy recovery from a non-Catholic admirer. May God grant you comfort, peace, and patience during this trying time. I emphasize the word "patience" as I went through a similar but not so quite a serious experience a year ago, therefore I realize how important patience can be. God bless you!" - J.W., Dallas, Texas

"Father, you are an inspiration to us all, and a shining example for everyone to follow. You stand on the front line as our general, holding the rosary as we go into battle, helping us to understand Christ more clearly and helping others to know him for the first time. You humbly say that you 'schlep' your way through life, but the 'schlepping' you describe is actually soaring in the clouds to us! You are in our prayers and I will personally devote my rosaries and weekly adoration for you and your intentions. God bless you"! - W.D., Dalton, Ohio

Send your greetings to Fr. Benedict

FastCounter by bCentral