www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life Prayer Fr. Benedict Groeschel Critically Injured in Car Accident

May the mantle of protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary envelop Fr. Benedict and wean him to recovery and lasting health!

The condition of Fr. Benedict and updates are posted at:

http://www.franciscanfriars.com

AmdG

FRIARY SPOKESMAN SAYS FR. GROESCHEL IS STABLE BUT 'NOT YET OUT OF THE WOODS'

Father Glenn Sudano, speaking on behalf of a friary in New York, has issued an extensive report on the injuries suffered by nationally-known priest Father Benedict Groeschel Sunday night while he was near the Orlando International Airport [see previous story]:

"The Lord give you peace. On behalf of Fr. Benedict and all the friars & sisters of the Renewal, I want to express to you our thanks for your concern and support during these most difficult days. Since Father's accident so many have contacted us hoping to hear some news. I am sorry the notice, critical but stable" and "no calls!" was a bit blunt and brief. However, as you might imagine, at times of extreme crisis orders and the like are to the point. Forgive me if it was too short and sharp. We honestly haven't had the time and opportunity to get something of some substance on the website. I am writing this notice Tuesday, January 13.

About Fr. Benedict's condition. Things are somewhat the same; "critical, but stable." In some ways, this is positive. Meaning, he's not declining. God willing, the "critical" status will subside and "stability" will extend into general health. Fr. Benedict has a long road ahead of him, please God, and there are many people like yourselves who are willing to walk at his side. Promise me you will support him with your prayers!

Fr. John Lynch, a priest friend from the Archdiocese of New York, Joe Campo, friend and director of the New York Youth 2000 office, and I spent some time with Fr. Benedict in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit. He is highly sedated and is getting some assistance with his breathing, yet, at times he does respond to stimulus. As you know people in such a state can often hear and comprehend much more than they appear. So I took the opportunity to extend your love and support. I told him that so many throughout the States and around the world were praying for him. I told him how much we love him and are looking forward to him getting better.

To clarify some of the details about the accident, I will tell you as much as I know at this time. Fr. Benedict had just completed a preaching engagement and was at the airport with his traveling companions, Fr. John Lynch and David Burns. Evidently, they were at an airport car rental. Fr. Benedict knew his two companions hadn't eaten, and knowing the long lines meant a long wait, he went outside to find a place to buy a hamburger or something. This is where the facts are fuzzy. At some time and for some reason, he was struck by an oncoming vehicle. Perhaps it was dark, who knows, but this is all I know at this point.

Fr. Benedict was struck on his right side. The impact broke his right arm and leg in two places. He also received some injury to the head. Thank God, the ambulance arrived soon after and was brought to a nearby hospital which, thank God, has an expert trauma unit. This is where he is today and will slowly recover through your prayers.

I had the opportunity to speak to his attending physician who represents a small team of trauma specialists. At this time all his vital signs are "good." His arm and leg still needs to be operated on, but it's still too soon. They have to be very careful not to upset whatever "balance" he has at this point. The bleeding on the brain is not serious and his blood pressure okay -- at least right now. Last night they had to open him to see if there was any damage to his inside organs. Thank God, no problems there. There appeared to be an increase in acid accumulating in his system, yet it appears to be naturally lowering.

However, this is the doctor's concern. Fr. Benedict is 70 years old and has had other medical problems (bad heart). He said, "Anything can happen -- pneumonia, infection, heart failure." He was quite clear, "he's far from being out of the woods." The doctor surmised that he could remain in this same condition for some weeks, but of course, there are too many variables.

At the end of my many questions, I said, "Doctor, I don't know if you're a man of faith. But there are many people praying for Fr. Benedict - and for you!" I saw he was very moved, and he said, "Thank you, we both need them."

The night the accident happened, I was in California with the friars of Saint Felix Friary, we had just finished a youth weekend. Fr. Conrad called while we were enjoying our evening meal. The rest of the evening was full of fear. I went to bed with portable phone in hand both awaiting and dreading the next call from Florida. I wept more than I slept. My only prayer was a plea, "O Mother of God, help him!" The next morning I was off to Florida with bloodshot eyes and a heavy heart.

On the plane my mind kept going down a dark road. I couldn't help but think of the worst -- my prayer continued to be a plea. I almost believed that God was preparing me (and you) for the worst. I knew that things might turn out for the best, but I thought my asking for the best would be in some way less than acceptable to God. As if I was refusing to face the cross - I thought of Our Lord in the Garden. But in time, I begin to think, "praying for healing isn't a sin or a lack of trust -- but an expression of the virtue of HOPE".

So, my friends, join me in hoping -- hoping that Fr. Benedict will indeed get through this. As many saints went through their trials, he is going through his. He will have a long via dolorosa ahead of him. Please, let us not be the weeping women of Jerusalem, but help him like Simon and Veronica. Let us not stand by and weep, but help him by our prayers. He has helped us, now it's our turn to help him.

I must once again ask you, please do not attempt to call any hospital or friary. I will do my best to keep you posted on this Web site. Please advise others to do the same. Please refrain from sending flowers and gifts. God willing, I will have to make arrangements for some friars to be at Father's side. Hopefully, there will be many flights from New York, of course we may need some help in this regard but let us see how things emerge in the next few days and weeks. If I have to send out an "SOS" for traveling expenses, I'll let you know!

So, the rosary, the chaplet of the Divine mercy, adoration, fasting - Behold! Here is our medicine! Jesus - Behold! Our Divine Physician! As Saint Pio would tell us - "Pray, hope, and don't worry!"

Saint Padre Pio, pray for him! Blessed Mother Teresa, pray for him! Servant of God, Terrence Cardinal Cooke, pray for him! Saint Benedict Joseph Labre, pray for him! Holy Father Saint Francis, pray for him!

Let us pray:

"O Mother of Divine Mercy, look with compassion on your son and servant, Father Benedict. Extend your hands of healing upon him. Invoke the all powerful name of Jesus! Invoke your Spouse, the Life-giving and Holy Spirit to descend like a sweet and gentle dew upon your faithful servant. Drive away every illness! Draw down healing from on high! Like your son, and in His name, call him forth out of the darkness and the edge of death and say -- "Come out!"

Yes, Mother, we choose to hope and pray. May the will of the Father be accomplished for His glory and the good of your servant. We pray through Christ our Lord. Amen!

Fr. Glenn Sudano, C.F.R.

CHRIST IS IN OUR VERY MIDST---ALIVE & ACTIVE!

My deep feeling is that we ALL need to pray VERY hard for Fr. Benedict's healing and recovery. He is one of THE most solid voices in the Rome Church in this land and the Lord has great need of him and his talents. I think the evil one is having a field day and this recent accident/event is a great source of joy for him. We need to remember Father in our prayers DAILY by name and frequently.

In His great love for us all,
+Father Archimandrite Gregory

+GLORY BE TO GOD FOR ALL THINGS!

P.S. Sorry---should have been: the ROMAN Church!

In Him,
+Father Archimandrite

Bless, Father!

I think that American Catholic priests working on bringing lapsed Catholics back to the Church should adopt the motto:

Yankee go Rome!

Kissing your right hand, I again implore your blessing (and forgiveness, where appropriate)

Alex

Alex:

"Yankee, go Rome!" has a nice ring to it!

It gives Dr. Hahn's "Rome Sweet Home", or whatever, a run for its money.

AmdG

"Oh, there's no place like Rome for the holidays!"

May God bless and keep Fr. Benedict. I was at St. Crispin's Friary in the Bronx a few years back, and I was very impressed by the work of the Grey Friars.

Dave

Very Sad news, he was a great influence to me converting to Catholicism. With out that I wouldnt be where I am today.

In Christ
Daniel

I agree, I think the darkness of this world is rejoicing. But it does not have the victory, Jesus does! I find it interesting that an article on Spirit Daily refered to a second car being involved. That a policeman said there was an investigation underway, and the person who hit FR. was not the one responcible for the accident, it is the other driver.

http://www.spiritdaily.com/groeschel2.htm
"The priest was "barely conscious" when police arrived, according to Detective Norris Butler, who said there is an investigation involving a second car that may have caused the accident. He said the car that actually hit Groeschel did not appear at fault. "I can't give out more details because it is an ongoing investigation," he said, leaving open the possibility that charges may be brought against the second driver."

May the Lord grant healing and full recovery to Fr. Benedict.

Dear Daniel,

Then I don't know which news is more sad . . .

Alex

Dear Friends,

As is evident on EWTN, my favourite TV channel, so many are praying for Fr. Groeschel it isn't funny!

He and the health care personnel assisting him are mentioned at the daily EWTN Mass.

As Fr. Groeschel has said, "I'm the best disguised psychiatrist in New York City!"

May the Lord raise him up from his sick bed quickly!

Alex

Dear friends,

Yes, the news of Father Groeschel's accident is all over the Catholic internet community. I have seen it on every Catholic board and mailing list that I am on.

It is wonderful that so many people are lifting him up in prayer! God grant him many years!

Tammy

UPdate on FR. Groecshel

http://www.franciscanfriars.com/frglen3.htm

Dear Pani Rose,

Well, I won't say a Rosary for the good Father - that is a Latin practice and I'm horrified at the thought of this . . .

Instead, I'll say a Bohrodychna Lestovka for him.

Something Eastern . . .

Alex