Fr. Groeschel Critically Injured in Car Accident in Florida

EWTN ^ | 1/12/2004

[NeoCaveman]

I am getting this message to you earlier than planned since I have been told that Fr. Benedict is being operated on at this moment. The time now is 8:00 pm (EST).

Thanks for the update.

I'm keeping the good Father in my prayers.

[MudPuppy]

bump.
see the update posted above

[MudPuppy]

Dear friends of Fr. Benedict,

Today is Saturday, January 17, and here is a brief update on Fr. Benedict's condition.

Fr. John Lynch, a close friend and a diocesan priest from the Archdiocese of New York, continues to stay close by Fr. Benedict. He reports to me that Fr. Benedict had "a good day" and is stable in the wake of last night's extensive surgery. The leg was masterfully attended to thanks to the Holy-Spirit guided hands of a wonderful orthopedic surgeon and his assistant. Evidently, the right arm still needs work but it isn't a major concern for his doctor at this time. The incision in the abdomen is now safely closed. As planned, the doctors did place small "screens" or "filters" in the lower abdomen to prevent any blood clots from the lower extremities traveling to the heart, lungs, and brain. The bandages to the head wound were changed. This wound doesn't appear to be problematic at this point.

Fr. Conrad and Br. Sharbel both report that Father's color looks good, and the overall swelling of the face and body has greatly diminished. Father Benedict still remains in a "deep fog" because of the sedatives. The doctors want to slowly but surely diminish the amount of these pain-reducing medicines so that he can begin to respond to stimulus. From what I have been told, this is important; they don't want him to stay in this "fog" too long.

Although Father doesn't immediately respond to simple commands (e.g. move finger, etc.), he did flinch when the head bandage was being changed! Although no one wants to cause Father any pain, his reaction to pain is actually good. He has to in some way, struggle out of his drug induced sleep.

While these are good signs, we all must now turn our attention to an enemy on the horizon -pneumonia. At the time of the accident, like many of us, Father had a cold with some congestion. Also, although Father has been breathing on his own with the aid of a respirator, his breathing has been quite shallow. As he lies still in one place, fluid buildup in the lungs is almost inevitable. The doctors can almost see the enemy ready to attack. But do you know what? We're attacking first!

So, here's our strategy for victory - at least on this front. We are asking everyone to pray that his lungs stay clear. Prayer is our weapon against this enemy. When you get this e-mail - begin the attack!

Come, Holy Spirit! Come, Spirit Who hovered over the ancient abyss! Come, Holy Spirit Who brought life into the clay lungs of our first father! Come, Holy Spirit, Who overshadowed the Sinless Virgin! Come, Holy Spirit, given as gift from the dying then glorified lips of Our Savior! Come, Holy Spirit, wipping the garments of those gathered in the Upper Room! Come as a mighty wind and sweep clean the lungs of Your son and servant so that he may, like some mighty prophet, once again proclaim Your saving Word! For the Father's Glory and in His Son's name, we pray as one Mystical Body and Bride and together we cry out, "Come, Holy Spirit, Come!"

Once again, on behalf of Fr. Benedict and all the friars I want to thank you for the massive outpouring of concern and prayer. Over 15,000 friends of Fr. Benedict have sent greetings and promises of prayer for healing. At the Grassroots Renewal/Youth 2000 office, Joe Campo has informed me he has received E-mail messages from as far away as Russia, China, and Japan! Your prayers are helping! Do not stop until the deep dark woods are well beyond his back!

Don't forget - now is the time to offer your helping hand. Remember - five fingers - Holy Mass, Prayer, Confession, Forgiveness, Charity towards the poor and needy!

God willing, tomorrow we'll have some good news. Everyday is a battle, yet every day is also a victory. May God be praised. Saint Francis, pray for us!

Fr. Glenn Sudano, C.F.R.
Community Servant (superior)
Franciscan Friars of the Renewal