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From a Friend,

MY PERSONAL FATHER BENEDICT GROESCHEL STORY: A Brilliant, yet humble and holy Franciscan Priest has passed...and on the Feast Day of St Francis !

I loved this man and yes—I humbly I played a small role in the efforts of Father Groeschel and his Friars who traveled Rome in October 1988 seeking approval for their new order from Pope John Paul II and the Church Hierarchy.

I was a seminary student myself at that time. Father Groeschel and I met and chatted after he had given a day of recollection at St. Charles Seminary in Philadelphia.

I then invited him to have dinner with the Guanellian Community of priests and brothers (Servants of Charity) back in Springfield, PA., which he graciously accepted! On that property were residences, a school and training center for those with mental and physical challenges. I worked in that field for many years .

While driving him back for supper. I mentioned to Fr. Groeschel that I was soon heading over to Rome to take a few theology courses and to improve on my Italian.
I was to spend a year in the “Eternal City”’ to hopefully gain an “international experience.”

At that instant, it was as if a light flashed on in his head—and Father Groeschel asked if I could request permission from the Guanellians (in Rome) to grant hospitality for them to stay a few days—while they attended vitally important meetings at the Vatican.

Hospitality was indeed given by the Guanellians and it wasn’t long after this, that the Church gave it’s blessing to Father Groeschel and his “Franciscans of the Renewal!”

Before Father Groeschel and the friars returned to the USA, we all attended the 10th Anniversary prayer service to commemorate a decade of Pope John Paul’s Pontificate.

I remember having chills standing in the middle of St. Peter’s Square among tens of thousands along with the Franciscan friars.

An orchestra played and choirs sang in thanksgiving for the occasion. Pope John -Paul II, (now declared St, John-Paul II)
emerged to bless the massive gathering! I remember guns as if it happened last year.

Before he left Italy, Father Groeschel thanked me repeatedly and then asked if was there anything he could do for me once he got back to the States .

I asked him to please make a personal call to my parents once he got settled, which he did! I knew my mom and dad world be thrilled, and they were!

God Bless and Keep your Soul Father Benedict! You’re a friend who’s presence I feel to this day...and perhaps more so now!

Hopefully, we will meet again: Pray for us!