A Kind Message from Fr. Benedict Groeschel, CFR

In early January 2009, I wrote a letter to Fr. Benedict Groeschel, CFR, after reading his touching book A Priest Forever: The Life of Fr. Eugene Hamilton.  Fr Hamilton was a seminarian suffering from cancer, and he was ordained a priest on his deathbed in 1997.  I have drawn much inspiration from Fr. Hamilton's pursuit of the gift of the Holy Priesthood, and I wrote to Fr. Benedict to tell him my situation and to thank him for writing the book.

When I checked the mail today, I received a very nice package from Fr. Benedict Groeschel.  Enclosed was a copy of his book "Arise from Darkness: What To Do When Life Doesn't Make Sense," as well as two very special letters from him.

The first letter is a message to me dated January 19, 2009:

Dear Philip,

I just had the opportunity to read your letter which I found extremely moving and I am sending you today a copy of my book, Arise From Darkness.  We also are not going to give up.  Just yesterday in New York, we had a miracle where 150 people landed in the Hudson River and none of them drowned.  So miracles do happen!

I think you have a very appropriate and virtuous attitude towards the whole thing.  Let's ask for a miracle and let's accept whatever comes along.  I have been around long enough and I have seen that miracle.

You did include in the letter a card for Fr. Thomas Frederick Price.  I believe he was one of the founders of Maryknoll, if I am not mistaken.  If you get a chance, you might write me a note and let me know if that is true.  If so, if he is the same Fr. Price, I have prayed at his tomb in Maryknoll when I taught there.  The co-founders were Fr. Walsh and Fr. Price.

Thank you for your promise of prayers for our Community, and I will be giving your name to all the brothers and sisters at our next meeting to make sure that they remember you especially in their prayers.  Don't be surprised that you may hear from some of them, but don't feel obligated to answer the letters.

God bless, and let's keep in touch!

Sincerely in Christ,

Fr. Benedict

PS: I find out that we are both friends of St. Bernadette.  She is a very special friend of mine and I will be getting her to help me.  She almost never fails to come through.

Also enclosed was a fax that Fr. Benedict Groeschel sent to every house of Sisters and Friars in his Community:

From: Fr. Benedict Groeschel, CFR

To: Sisters & Friars

Date: January 20, 2009

Dear Sisters & Friars,

Following this letter, please find the letter I received from a young future seminarian with a brain tumor.  His name is Philip Johnson.  He needs lots and lots of prayers.  He has a very peaceful, firm faith that is most admirable.  Brother Bernardine's sister brought him to my attention.  We are praying to St. Bernadette for him.  So whoever your friends are up there, let's see if we can get a nice miracle of this.  After all, we just had another miracle for 150 people in the Hudson River.  Why not more miracles?

Thank you for your attention.  

Sincerely in Christ,

Fr. Benedict

Please pray for Fr. Benedict Groeschel and his community in thanksgiving for their charity!