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Statement on the Death of Father Benedict J. Groeschel
Franciscan Friars of the Renewal ^ | 10/4/14

Posted on 10/04/2014 8:09:53 AM PDT by Ge0ffrey

The Catholic Church and the Franciscan family lost a giant today. This moment is one that finds the Community of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal (CFR) with mixed emotions, as we are deeply saddened by the loss of Fr. Benedict but also relieved that God has set him free from the physical and mental suffering he has experienced over the past decade.

The world knew Father Benedict as a priest, teacher, evangelist, retreat master, and a steadfast defender of and advocate for the Catholic Church that he loved so much. The members of his religious family saw all these things in him, too. But even more, we were also blessed to know him as a father who cared for each of us, a father who was always accessible when we needed him and always glad to see us when we came to visit.

The words of a fellow Franciscan, Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa, describing St. Francis, characterize Fr. Benedict well, “His intuition of a universal brotherhood, extending to every creature, accompanied by his choice of minority, turn him and his followers into the brothers of every person, the enemies of none, and the companions of the least ones.”

(Excerpt) Read more at franciscanfriars.com ...


TOPICS: Religion
KEYWORDS: franciscan; groeschel; priest

1 posted on 10/04/2014 8:09:53 AM PDT by Ge0ffrey
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To: Ge0ffrey

very sad

RIP Fr Father Benedict Groeshel..condolences to family and friends


2 posted on 10/04/2014 8:22:55 AM PDT by aimee5291
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To: Ge0ffrey

R.I.P., Father...


3 posted on 10/04/2014 8:33:06 AM PDT by GonzoII ("If the new crime be, to believe in God, let us all be criminals" -Sheen)
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To: aimee5291

Amen


4 posted on 10/04/2014 8:45:02 AM PDT by Rumplemeyer (The GOP should stand its ground - and fix Bayonets)
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To: NYer; Salvation

Prayers up.


5 posted on 10/04/2014 9:46:13 AM PDT by Hieronymus ( (It is terrible to contemplate how few politicians are hanged. --G.K. Chesterton))
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To: Ge0ffrey

May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.


6 posted on 10/04/2014 10:13:08 AM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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To: Salvation

Bump


7 posted on 10/04/2014 4:29:55 PM PDT by Slyfox (Satan's goal is to rub out the image of God he sees in the face of every human.)
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