Dear friends of Fr. Benedict,
Today is Thursday, January 29. Here is
the latest update on Fr. Benedict.
I
was hoping to report that today was uneventful; it was not. This morning at
approximately 10:20, Father's blood pressure unexpectedly began to drop together
with his pulse rate which suddenly went flat. Of course, this unexpected turn
of events put the trauma team into high gear. After five or so minutes, the
pulse rate once again peaked and the blood pressure slowly rose and stabilized.
The storm was sudden and strong, but thank God, it ended and Father was back
safe and sound.
I was not able to receive much information
other than Father did not sustain a heart attack and there was no neurological
or brain damage. When the friars were finally allowed to enter Father's room
they said he looked "awake and alert". I have not been able to get any clear
word as to why this happened, but I was told by a doctor here in New York that
this can happen if a person is on a respirator for a long time. In the process
of trying to wean the patient off, there can be some inability to get enough
oxygen to the lungs and into the blood. However, this is the opinion of a physician
who is following Father Benedict's progress from afar.
This morning's scare was sobering indeed.
The tightrope is very narrow and Father's steps are feeble. So, once again,
and with full voice we cry out: "Lord, have mercy!" In the liturgy of the Eastern
Church we hear this invocation repeated over and over again. The ancient Egyptian
monks were said to hurl very short prayers to God like javelins. "Lord, have
mercy" is a simple, yet powerful prayer so straight and strong! Remember, our
prayer need not be long, but it should be deep; meaning, it should come from
our very depths. The more the bow is bent, the further the arrow flies. So,
go down deep and let your prayer fly like an arrow aimed towards the heavens
at the very heart of God.
Let us then pray for Father Benedict,
indeed for all those in great need. We need not go to some silent and stained-glass
cathedral. Right now, right where we are, our prayer can swiftly ascend. Let's
resolve to do this every day and everywhere - while driving the car, peeling
potatoes, or taking a shower. Let our heartfelt prayer be braided with Fr. Benedict's
as together we pray: "Lord, have mercy! Christ, have mercy! Lord, have mercy!"
Here's some wonderful E-mail's received
by Joe Campo at our Youth 2000/Grassroots Renewal office in Brooklyn. I hope
you and Father Benedict enjoy them.
"Dear Father Benedict, The first time
I ever watched EWTN you were on. This was about 12 years ago. From that day
on you were my inspiration. God has a name and that name is Mercy. My prayer
is simply this. Dear Jesus, for the healing of Fr. Benedict, I trust in You.
God Bless You." - C.C., Princeton, IL
"I am a convert of three years and Fr.
Groeschel has been a huge influence in my Catholic Christian walk. I actually
met him, heard him speak, and even had my picture taken with him here in FL.
A treasured evening! I just love him so much." - G.M., Pompano Beach, FL
"I am a Lutheran and have heard you many
times on EWTN. God has used your messages to bless me and my husband with His
truth and love. Our prayer is that Jesus would strengthen you with His promise
that He will never forsake us. You are in His tender embrace and He knows just
what you need. His healing hands will bring you back to good health. Be patient
and full of faith. Jesus and many people love you." - V&J, San Jose, CA
"Fr. Benedict, You have been in this
Lutheran pastor's prayers and heart since my hearing about the accident. You've
been very kind to me in the past at the Center for Spiritual Development and
quite welcoming in all the important ways. I will give you a call, as you invited
me to, when you are "back home" and ready and willing. In the meantime, you
are in many hearts and constant prayers to Christ. See you when you come back
up to our New York winter on the LI Sound! Take care and with affection." -
Pastor B.D., New Rochelle, NY
"I know that I am only 11 years old
but you make me so happy. Thank You! God Bless You! Really I Mean It! God gave
you a gift and you better use it! Amen." - Kelsey, Sugar Land, TX
"Father, I thank you and Almighty God
for the gift of your ministry. My wife and I entered the Church from the Lutheran
faith three years ago, and your works played a critical role in our conversion.
Thank you for helping me to see beyond theological debate, into the beauty and
mystery of our faith. May our most sweet Blessed Mother hold you in her Immaculate
Heart!" - S.R., Vancouver, WA
"Dear Father Groeschel, I am an evangelical
Protestant and a fairly recent viewer of EWTN. The first time I ever saw you
and heard you speak, you touched me. I am so grateful for your teaching. So
many of us would be so lost if you were to give up - we need you. Praying for
your continued healing." - N.E., St. Cloud, MN
"Dear Father Groeschel, You have touched
my life profoundly. You are a gift to our troubled times. I know the Lord has
blessed me with EWTN. After one of your shows last year, I decided to give up
television, except EWTN, for Lent. As a result, I never went back - and don't
miss it at all. Thank you!!!! My family will continue to pray for your recovery
with great love." - M.W., Toms River, NJ
Fr. Glenn Sudano,
C.F.R.
Community Servant (superior)
Franciscan Friars of the Renewal
In tribute to Father Benedict, Janie 14 devoted her time in drawing
this beautiful chalk sketch for Fr. Groeschel.
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your greetings to Fr. Benedict
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