FRIDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK OF LENT
**St. Theophanes the Chronicler (8th Century)
**St. Gregory the Great (604), Pope, Doctor of the Church,
Patron of Church Music (Trad)
Here is the latest update on Fr. Benedict.
When Br. Pio quietly knocked on the door, poked his head in the library and said, "Father Glenn, you have an important call", I was somewhat happy to get an unexpected break from the meeting. Yet, to get me out of a Council meeting, I knew it must be important. I walked over to the phone hopeful it wasn't an emergency. We all know what thoughts race through our mind when a phone call is both unexpected and called "urgent". As I reached for the phone I hesitated, interiorly braced myself and said: "Fr. Glenn". The voice at the other end was weak and raspy - "Praised be Jesus Christ." I could hardly believe my ears! "Now and forever!" I shouted into the phone.
Yes, it's been almost two months since I heard that familiar voice! I was told that hearing the voice of a loved one silenced by sickness for so long was "an experience of God". No truer words have been uttered! Inside I felt like the sun beaming after a storm.
After a quick bite, Fr. Andrew, Fr. Richard and I hopped into the car and headed for the hospital. When we got to Father's room, Br. Daniel Marie was standing bedside smiling from ear to ear. As I approached Father's bed, he extended his hand, smiled and once again said, "Praised be Jesus Christ".
I don't want to take up your time with my thoughts and feelings, so I'll step aside and let Father say a few words to you.
"Dear Friends,
This is the first opportunity I have to personally thank the people who have been caring for me since my accident. I was deeply moved by the amount of prayer cards and e-mails from many, many people. I don't know how to repay you for your expressions of support and letters of encouragement.
I am going to be laid-up for a while healing and hopefully getting stronger. I am thankful to God that I did not sustain any serious head injuries or facial disfigurement. God must be telling me to get back to work.
Today I spoke for the first time in 2 months. I am so grateful for the brothers who have attended to my needs, especially Br. Daniel and Br. Peter. They have shown infinite patience to a person in a desperate situation. I can't tell you how happy I am to be so well cared for by the staff of two very fine hospitals. I will be forever grateful to these generous people for the rest of my life. When we say love and faith are dying away in this country, here we see so much dedication and care - the attendants, nurses, specialists, and of course, the doctors.
I want to share with you two principles upon which I have built my life. The first is from Saint Augustine: 'God does not cause evil, but that evil should not become the worst'. Second: 'There are no accidents. Evil things occur because of bad will or stupidity or fatigue, yet whatever the cause God will bring good out of it if we let Him'.
I had seen the movie, "The Passion" before I had my accident. How many times the haunting scenes (of Christ's agony) brought me consolation and hope when things were very dark.
Each day I will try to write a little something to the many people who have supported me. This can become a wonderful way we can grow and support one another and together grow in faith, hope, and love. God bless and keep you."
Fr. Benedict
Let us all maintain our prayers for Fr. Benedict as he continues in his recovery.
Your miserable servant,
Brother Bubba
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