Against The Grain

Tuesday, January 13, 2004

From Deal H. Hudson of CRISIS magazine:

I'm afraid I have some very bad news. As you may have already heard, Fr. Benedict Groeschel, founder of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal in New York City and long-time friend of CRISIS, was struck by a car last night and is now in the hospital in critical condition.

Details are still sketchy, but sources say that Fr. Groeschel was walking to a restaurant in Orlando when he was hit by a car near the Orlando International Airport. He's now in intensive care at the Orlando Regional Medical Center in critical but stable condition.

We spoke with Fr. Groeschel's assistant this morning who confirmed the news, saying that the situation didn't look good. "We need nothing short of a miracle," she said.

At this point, the most important thing we can do is pray. The Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN) is broadcasting a Holy Hour for him this morning, and Fr. Groeschel's assistant requested that we ask for prayers from St. Francis, the founder of the order, and St. Augustine, who has been Fr. Groeschel's favorite all his life.

Father Groeschel is one of the most powerful voices for the Church in this country and around the world. Not only that, but he's been absolutely selfless in his generosity to numerous Catholic apostolates, including this one. I know you don't need any encouragement from me to pray for this truly holy man.

Fr. Groeschel is one of the most incredible Catholic priests I have ever met, probably one of the best priests in the Catholic Church in America today. Please keep him in your prayers.

Update Jan. 13, 2003.