Today is Friday, January 30. Here is the latest update on Fr. Benedict.

I am very happy to report that Father had a very good day. As Father Sylvester and Brother Peter were returning to New York, Father Luke and Brother Shawn were landing in Florida. Thursday is the "the changing of the guard". Tomorrow, Father John Lynch, who has been with Father Benedict from day one will be returning to resume his parochial work. Marjule, Father's sister, will also be returning home. God willing, the next time they see Father Benedict, they'll be having a conversation together.

"Frustration" is a word which the friars often use when speaking about their visit with Father. At this time, Father is unable to talk due to the trach. Although he is slightly propped up in bed, his mobility is very limited. Therefore, the major frustration surrounds Father's inability to adequately express his thoughts which are "sharp as a tack", as Father Luke reports. No doubt, this is a cross for Father. Imagine a professional runner being confined to a wheel chair, an artist being robbed of their sight, or a musician going deaf. We all know that Father Benedict is a communicator par excellence; he's been giving speeches since he was sixteen! So, let us direct our prayer so that this rough road will become smooth as silk in the weeks to come. Father Luke made everyone laugh, including Father Benedict when he complained to Father Benedict no one could easily read his lips because of his Jersey City accent!

Father Mariusz, another C.F.R. priest made a visit to the hospital since he was in Florida covering for a retreat which Father Benedict was going to direct. Together with Father Luke and Father John he celebrated Holy Mass next to Father's bed. In fact, it was the first word Father mouthed to Father Luke when they saw each other this morning - "Mass". Father Luke was deeply moved as he celebrated the Mass and saw Father Benedict lying upon his bed. Father Luke told me, "he was like the host on the paten - silent and still". Although Father Benedict could not stand and celebrate the Divine Liturgy, he was, in fact, living the liturgy.

The doctors are keeping a close eye on Father's blood pressure and the openings left after the metal pins in his arm were removed. When he's ready, the doctors will attend to the fractured right shoulder. Since the socket is fractured, a few screws will be used to bring the socket together; while some stretched ligaments will also be tightened. Then, that's it; the doctor can then store away his scalpel! Some physical therapy has already begun, at least in a small way, by gently flexing Father's limbs. God willing, in some weeks Father will undergo "aggressive" physical therapy as one nurse described it.

I have been told that Father is anxious to speak to you; he wants to thank you. Thanks to today's technology, he will be able to do this. As soon as it is possible, we'll get his message to you via E-mail. When he is able to speak, Joe Campo and his Grassroots Renewal production crew will fly down with me to tape a message.

May I say this. While I am very happy Father is doing better; he is far from being a healthy man. We may encounter some unexpected tunnels and tailspins. Please, please, don't stop your prayers and sacrifices. In the meanwhile, since he cannot say a word, please accept my own personal thanks. The friars and the sisters are in awe of the kindness, thoughtfulness, and generosity which has been poured and pressed down into our laps since Father B's accident. We know it's not just us, but he who you are honoring; and for that reason we are humbled and deeply grateful. God bless you.

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Praying you father and wishing you all the best. you are a fantastic human being. The devil doesn't want you and God is not exactly ready for you! Stay a while with we poor humans an help us through this life with your example. My friend and I are offering 2 Masses, Rosaries, Communions and daily special prayers. I think I have Gods ear! Love and prayers -Marie, Hackensack, New Jersey

Dear Father, Praying for your recovery. I am struggling to get over being lazy. This morning as I was debating whether or not to get out of bed; I remembered how much you would like to be able to get up and work for the kingdom, so I offered it up for you. Thank you for continuing to bring me to virtue even from a hospital bed thousands of miles away! We love you and are praying for you. - Rosemary, Dublin,IRELAND

My wife and I are so glad you are recovering. I read your updates on the web everyday and report them to my wife when we eat dinner at night. We are converts to the Catholic Church (we were both Jehovah's Witnesses) and we had the privilege of meeting you at a retreat in Nebraska last summer. I have the privilege of attending daily Mass now that we have moved to Wisconsin and I pray for you during Mass as part of my Mass intentions and after Mass when I pray Morning Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours. In my prayer, I ask the Lord to keep you here for a little while longer if it is His will because of all of the great things you have continue to teach me and all of the Lord's people about God's goodness, love and mercy. I tell God that perhaps there is still more work for you to do here with us on earth than in heaven. In any case, I praise God for giving you to us, His people, because your catechesis and writings were instrumental in bring me and my wife home to the Catholic faith. You will always be in our prayers. - Jeffery, Sheboygan, Wisconsin

You are helping people even from your hospital bed! While reading your update, there is a video going on one of your talks, and it reminded me to look on all that is going on from the light of Christ. There are many crosses to carry at this time, but because of your little talk today, and also, I am sure, because of the graces coming from your offering all for others, that cross will be carried with much more cheerfulness and strength. We will continue to pray for strength for you during your recovery. -Judy, Wayzata, Minnesota

Pace e bene! Brother Benedict... May His will be done on in all of us. Thank you for your service and inspiration to us all. You are in our prayers. We love you! -Vinson Manila, ,Luzon PHILIPPINES

Dear Fr. Glenn, Just wanted to thank you for keeping us all up to date about Fr. Benedict with your beautiful messages and video. Be assured of our thoughts and prayers. -Abel, Norton, Massachusetts

Dear Father, Get well soon and make a beautiful video out of that painful experience. God Bless U!!! You know what to do when life does not make sense - keep moving on Father!- Simon, Bramley, SC,Gauteng SOUTH AFRICA

The Carmelite Sisters in Dalkey, Ireland send their prayers and love to you for a speedy recovery. -Sr. Mary of Jesus, Ireland

Dear Father Benedict, I can't get EWTN in Europe so you and I wash the dishes together, dust, etc. while I listen to your tapes! Get better fast for we need teachers like you as we have been raised with little instruction in our faith. Much love - Susan,GERMANY

Dear Father Benedict - I'm an 85 old lady -all alone and waiting for God, but I follow your progress with daily prayers and the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. You have been such an inspiration and a great blessing in my life. Please get well soon, I'm grateful for the daily update. - June, South Bend, Indiana

Heard of your accident by chance and just to send the promise of prayers. As one of your former students at Maryknoll and as one who remembers your visits to Hong Kong, we owe you a lot and pray for a swift recovery. -Fr. John, Heung Chau, Hong Kong

I am praying,"Lord, have mercy." I have read your books and listened to your shows on EWTN for 20 years. Yet, the small video on this site is enough to sustain me forever! Thank you for answering God's call. You have touched so many lives and I believe, will continue to do so. May God bless and keep you. - Charlotte, Chariton, Iowa

I send greetings and best wishes to Fr. Benedict from St. Andrew's Parish and the Anglican Catholic Church Original Province. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. We all look forward to seeing you and learning from your most holy teaching on EWTN. You are in our prayers at Mass and daily offices. You are a true servant of our Lord and a blessing to His Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. We love you.- Father Reed , Los Alamitos, California

Fr.Benedict, We all love you, my language is Spanish, but love means the same in every language. I am practicing forgiveness for you and for the Franciscan friars who are near you and let us know how they loved you. God bless you -Yoya, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico

Fr. Glenn Sudano, C.F.R.
Community Servant (superior)
Franciscan Friars of the Renewal