From Father Glenn:
Today is Thursday, January 15. Here is the latest update on Fr. Benedict.
Today I was able to spend some time at Fr. Benedict's bedside. Thank God, he is even looking better. He has good color and the swelling of the body has decreased. He is still highly sedated, so he is a "sleep state" and is slightly aided in his breathing with a respirator. His right arm is suspended due to the operation he received last evening. He has a few metal pins or rods sticking out of his bandaged arm. As I mentioned in the last entry, his surgeon is well known and almost revered in the medical community due to his expertise. Providentially Fr. Benedict is receiving extraordinary care. The doctors and nurses have been kind, cooperative, and very respectful. They now know who their patient is; in fact, I am hoping to send some of Father's tapes to them. Not, of course, so they would be giving any better care, but as an opportunity for evangelization!
Tomorrow is a very important day. May I ask each of you to pray for Father during the day? Other procedures will be attempted, depending, of course, how he is doing. The first, I believe, will be to set the broken bones in the right leg. Secondly, to implant small micro filters in special places to prevent a blood clot traveling to either his lungs, heart, or brain. Like many heart patients, Fr. Benedict was taking a blood thinner. This is why there was a large loss of blood from the head after the accident. Since the blood was not congealing, it was literally pouring out. Now that the blood thinner is out of his system, blood clots are more probable than possible. So, small screens will hopefully block any clot from traveling into an area which would have dire consequences. Both operations might take place at once and even done in the surgical intensive care unit. These plans can, of course, change at a moments notice. There are so many variables. Please pray for the doctors, nurses, and other assistants. I promised them you would.
So, tomorrow we are calling for all the friends of Fr. Benedict throughout the States and the world to offer him a helping hand. We are all in this together and our job is to support him. Friends don't walk away from us - they walk with us.
Friday, January 16, 2004
Thursday, January 15, 2004
Great Quote
From St. Marguerite Bourgeoys on the Eucharist:
"It seems to me that we are charcoal ready to be kindled and that Holy Communion is entirely suited to set us on fire. But when this charcoal is kindled only on the surface, as soon as it is set aside, it is extinguished. On the contrary, that which is fired all the way to the center is not extinguished, but is consumed."
"It seems to me that we are charcoal ready to be kindled and that Holy Communion is entirely suited to set us on fire. But when this charcoal is kindled only on the surface, as soon as it is set aside, it is extinguished. On the contrary, that which is fired all the way to the center is not extinguished, but is consumed."
INTERCESSION OF CARDINAL COOKE FOR FR. GROESCHEL
Father Groeschel is the postulator for the cause of the late Cardinal Cooke.
From EWTN - WHAT'S NEW:
"Almighty and Eternal Father, we thank you for the exemplary life and gentle kindness of your son and bishop, Terence Cooke.
If it be your gracious will, grant that through his intercession Fr. Benedict Groeschel will be healed of his injuries and restored to health, so that he may continue to labor in Your vineyard for years to come.
We ask this though Our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, forever and ever. Amen."
From EWTN - WHAT'S NEW:
"Almighty and Eternal Father, we thank you for the exemplary life and gentle kindness of your son and bishop, Terence Cooke.
If it be your gracious will, grant that through his intercession Fr. Benedict Groeschel will be healed of his injuries and restored to health, so that he may continue to labor in Your vineyard for years to come.
We ask this though Our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, forever and ever. Amen."
Story on Father John Pasquini
I know Father John, taught him in the seminary. This happened last Fall, CruxNews is picking up a New Oxford Review piece on the incident. Just as an update, Father John is now working as a chaplain at Ave Maria University in Naples, FL.
From CruxNews.com:
"The Palm Beach Post (Oct. 11) reports that Fr. John J. Pasquini was relieved of his duties after only three months at St. Juliana Church in West Palm Beach, Florida, and was sent packing to a hospital chaplaincy. Chaplaincies at hospitals are 'dumping grounds for clerics,' notes The Post (if you don't believe that, just recall for a moment what happened to Fr. Cornelius Buckley, S.J., and Fr. Joseph Fessio, S.J.).
So, what did Fr. Pasquini do that was so terrible? Well, The Post begins its story this way: 'An outspoken Catholic priest who publicly condemned homosexuality and criticized Episcopalians for electing a gay bishop is being removed from his church and transferred to a job as a hospital chaplain.'
Would the Diocese of Palm Beach admit to that? According to the story, the Vicar General of the Diocese, Fr. Charles Notabartolo, claims that the reason for the removal was because Fr. Pasquini's 'homilies were poor' and 'he didn't show enough devotion to Mass.' On the other hand, Fr. Pasquini (who graduated top in his class at seminary, has two master's degrees, and has written 12 books) says that no one complained to him about his homilies or his devotion to Mass."
What did I teach him at the seminary? Homiletics! He is a very good preacher, in fact much better than the priest criticizing him.
From CruxNews.com:
"The Palm Beach Post (Oct. 11) reports that Fr. John J. Pasquini was relieved of his duties after only three months at St. Juliana Church in West Palm Beach, Florida, and was sent packing to a hospital chaplaincy. Chaplaincies at hospitals are 'dumping grounds for clerics,' notes The Post (if you don't believe that, just recall for a moment what happened to Fr. Cornelius Buckley, S.J., and Fr. Joseph Fessio, S.J.).
So, what did Fr. Pasquini do that was so terrible? Well, The Post begins its story this way: 'An outspoken Catholic priest who publicly condemned homosexuality and criticized Episcopalians for electing a gay bishop is being removed from his church and transferred to a job as a hospital chaplain.'
Would the Diocese of Palm Beach admit to that? According to the story, the Vicar General of the Diocese, Fr. Charles Notabartolo, claims that the reason for the removal was because Fr. Pasquini's 'homilies were poor' and 'he didn't show enough devotion to Mass.' On the other hand, Fr. Pasquini (who graduated top in his class at seminary, has two master's degrees, and has written 12 books) says that no one complained to him about his homilies or his devotion to Mass."
What did I teach him at the seminary? Homiletics! He is a very good preacher, in fact much better than the priest criticizing him.
Update on Father Groeschel
The last time I met with Father and had a lengthy conversation, he told me that Father Glenn was a beautiful writer. Indeed he is! Father the superior of the community called the "community servant" gives evidence of how he handles that position in his latest update.
Continue to pray, in the imagery of the Old Testament, to lift up the hands of Moses who has grown weak...
From The Franciscan Friars:
"Fr. Benedict appears to be 'the same' as yesterday - at least externally; sedated, in a sleep-like state and lightly assisted by a respirator. However, being 'the same' is actually good -- he hasn't lost any ground. The body is healing itself and this takes time - God willing, these are the first steps along a long road to recovery.
Tonight, between six and eight o'clock (EST) a well-know and highly esteemed trauma surgeon will be operating on his broken right arm. The mere fact that they have opted for surgery indicates a certain amount of 'strength in the system.' Doctors don't like taking chances if they don't have to. So, in short, we should see this as a positive sign. I imagine, based on the results of this somewhat 'minor' surgery, they will attempt to work on his right broken leg. The nurses told me everything has to be done in small doses -- sort of 'spoon feeding' an infant. The next spoonful depends on how well the baby consumes the first. Once again, these are the slow, preliminary steps Father has to take weeks, perhaps months before his feet touch the floor.
While there appears to be some semblance of stability in his condition, I believe the real concern is his heart. The heart may be considered the 'weak link' a chain which could not be called strong. He is elderly and has had some health problems in the past, now add the unexpected trauma of being hit by a car…. So, you see how much he needs our prayers. He's walking a very fine line, a 'tightrope,' a strong young man could walk away if he fell. So, our job is to extend our hands to the heavens and support him step-by-step. "
Continue to pray, in the imagery of the Old Testament, to lift up the hands of Moses who has grown weak...
From The Franciscan Friars:
"Fr. Benedict appears to be 'the same' as yesterday - at least externally; sedated, in a sleep-like state and lightly assisted by a respirator. However, being 'the same' is actually good -- he hasn't lost any ground. The body is healing itself and this takes time - God willing, these are the first steps along a long road to recovery.
Tonight, between six and eight o'clock (EST) a well-know and highly esteemed trauma surgeon will be operating on his broken right arm. The mere fact that they have opted for surgery indicates a certain amount of 'strength in the system.' Doctors don't like taking chances if they don't have to. So, in short, we should see this as a positive sign. I imagine, based on the results of this somewhat 'minor' surgery, they will attempt to work on his right broken leg. The nurses told me everything has to be done in small doses -- sort of 'spoon feeding' an infant. The next spoonful depends on how well the baby consumes the first. Once again, these are the slow, preliminary steps Father has to take weeks, perhaps months before his feet touch the floor.
While there appears to be some semblance of stability in his condition, I believe the real concern is his heart. The heart may be considered the 'weak link' a chain which could not be called strong. He is elderly and has had some health problems in the past, now add the unexpected trauma of being hit by a car…. So, you see how much he needs our prayers. He's walking a very fine line, a 'tightrope,' a strong young man could walk away if he fell. So, our job is to extend our hands to the heavens and support him step-by-step. "
Shopping for Faith or Votes?
Great post about faith and politics over at Times Against Humanity Is Howard Dean a baptized Catholic?
Even if he's left, he's still in. Remember the Catholic faith is like the Hotel California...you can check out anytime you'd like, but you can never leave.
Even if he's left, he's still in. Remember the Catholic faith is like the Hotel California...you can check out anytime you'd like, but you can never leave.
Wednesday, January 14, 2004
Update on Father Groeschel from His Superior
From Father Glenn Sudano, C.F.R.:
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 to 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.
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 to 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.
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