Today is Monday, January 26. Here is the latest update on Fr. Benedict.
The
time now is 9:30 pm. Fr. Benedict should be coming out of surgery soon. Our
special surgeon has been working on his right arm, especially the elbow. The
doctors will also repair the fracture in the shoulder that the X-ray revealed.
If there is any other work which may have to be done - tonight's the night.
Yes, "Hurry up and wait" was the name of the game today for Father as it is for many on the day of surgery. Father Sylvester told me that Father was anxious, in the sense he wanted to get the whole affair over and done with. Remember, Fr. B is a man of action and doesn't like wasting time! When I was a child there was a game show called, "Beat the Clock". If you're old enough to be familiar with the show, we all know who would run away with all the prizes! The fact that Father cannot talk or move his head - which is facing the wall clock - has got to be addressed! Brother Sharbel, stop staring at the ocean - and move that clock!
Fr. John Lynch is getting quite adept at reading Father's lips. Fr. John told me Father is asking inquisitive and intelligent questions: "How long will the traech be in for"? and "When can I eat solid food"? A thoughtful man from Michigan described a spelling board he uses with his brother who is paralyzed. It simply looks like a bingo card with letters. I faxed this down to them; hopefully, this will help when Father's lips get lazy - or Father John's eyes!
Fr. Glenn Sudano, C.F.R.
Community Servant
Franciscans of the Renewal
I requested that Marjule, Father Benedict's sister, send a greeting. Here's her message to each of you:
|
Dear friends of Father Benedict, My family is extremely grateful to Fr Glenn and all of the friars, together with David Burns and especially to Father John Lynch who has been Father Benedict's friend and caregiver from the beginning of this terrible ordeal. Together, you have saved my brother's life and God will shower you with many graces and blessings for your faith and trust in Him. Love, |
_______________________________________________________________________________
Here are some E-mail's which I thought you would like to read.
"I am seven years old and making my first communion this year. My grandpop used to work with you. I am saying the rosary for your recovery and asking the Blessed Mother to watch over you. Get well soon. Lots of love." - Cameron, St. Petersburg, Florida
"Here's France, once again I wanted to send my greetings to the Father and ensure him and the community of my prayers and my faithful thoughts. Dieu vous benisse, pere (God bless you Father)!" - NF., Illkirch, France
"Prayers will be offered from our group at Catholic Pro-life in Guam. I pray that through the intercession of Mama Mary, Fr. Benedict will recover and heal wholeheartedly. God bless." - C.L., Agana, Guam
"You have lit a fire in our hearts, my prayers and thoughts are with you just now, knowing that Jesus is going so look after you is a great joy. My two year old daughter prays for you and all the friars daily...Best wishes and get well very soon!"- M.T,, Glasgow, Scotland
"I met you at the Charismatic Conference in Scranton, PA. You are in my prayers for a speedy recovery so that you can continue in the good works you do for the Lord." - AS., Wyoming, Pennsylvania
"Please don't forget to tell Ben that the boys from Children's Village are all praying for him and getting him mixed up with the Pope! It is a real kick. Even this ole Protestant is wondering about the effects of all those relics. But since God knows the heart, I guess they are O.K.! - Rev. C.H., Dobbs Ferry, New York
"Even though my native language is either French or Creole, I've been really touched by your sermons on EWTN, particularly the ones about Hope. And I think that it's really the time for hope and prayer! So I do pray for your recovery. And I am sure that the Mother of God is near all the time and will take good care of you - so that there is no place for worrying." - M.J., Port-au-Prince, Haiti
"I first heard about the great work of Father Benedict and the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal 4-5 years ago when I attended a Youth 2000 weekend. He has been an inspiration to many people and in particular, young people throughout the world. Father Benedict, we pray for your recovery and many blessings to come. - B.R., Minchinbury, Australia
"I have heard about the wonderful ministry that Fr. Benedict has been rendering when I came to the United States in Oct-Nov. I wanted to visit him. I offer my prayers along with my team for the healing of Father Benedict..." - Fr, J.D., Karunapuram City, India
"May God bless you and keep you! Here at Holy Apostles Seminary we pray for you and think of you constantly, with Brother Michael and Br. Paulus continually posting Father Glenn's letters. Thanks for such a courageous example of following the Lord. May we see you in person as soon as possible! Your friend in Christ, - Br. C.R., Cromwell, Connecticut
"Just wanted you to know that we are praying for you...This accident has brought me to tears so often in the past few days, I am just a disciple of Fr. Benedict.... Thanks to Father Benedict we can stay united in prayer. Thank God for our faith. Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, have mercy on us! - L.B., Alexandria, Virginia
"Hello Fr. Benedict. Our greetings for you from Slovak SVD (Society of the Divine Word) Community where you had a meeting with us. More, more health. I pray for you. A young student from Slovak SVD Province, - P.H., Bratislava, Slovakia
"When my mother was dying, I complained to God about what He was doing to have allowed her to be in such a situation. As l prayed and cried to Him, a voice inside my head told me, just as clear as if l had heard it with my own ears... 'This is not about you or how you feel. It is My special time with her. You will have your own'. Perhaps this is Father's special time with Him. I have to believe that on some level we can never comprehend, until it is our turn, they are in a special place together. Whatever happens, it will have been what He, the Almighty wants and what Father needs...May our dear Saint Francis of Assisi be Father's constant companion throughout his ordeal". - B.C., Bedford, New Hampshire