Father Groeshel In A Car Accident?

[cmotherofpirl]

from my morning mail:

Fr Groeshel of the CFRs was in a bad car accident yesterday (Monday) and is in intensive care at a hospital in Orlando. His condition is stable. Let's offer up prayers and pennance for this wonderful priest.

[joemal1117]

I saw the same info at

www.spiritdaily.com

They're good at following this kind of news.

Check them later

[cmotherofpirl]

spiritdaily:

Renowned TV priest Father Benedict Groeschel, author of numerous books and popular on the Catholic network EWTN, was hit by a car near Orlando International Airport Sunday night. He is in stable but critical condition at the intensive care unit at Orlando Regional Medical Center. Details remain unverified and sketchy but reports are that he had just arrived in Orlando and was walking to a place for food when he was struck, possibly breaking a leg and arm. At latest reports he is partially conscious and awaiting surgery. We ask all to pray for this fine priest.

[Confessionator741]

pray, pray, pray....

he is an amazing person, and brings light to so many peolples faith through many medias....

B

[Lil Red]

i'll be praying for him, but who is he?

[cmotherofpirl]

From 100 top catholics of th Century:

Father Benedict Groeschel, C.F.R.

The voters chose, as the 28th selection Father Benedict Groeschel, C.F.R., the well-known priest from EWTN and one of the founders of the Community of Franciscan Friars of the Renewal under the patronage of Cardinal John J. O'Connor. Father Groeschel was the main spokesman in the founding of this new religious order. His selection came from numerous circles who regard him as one of the more eloquent speakers on the air today. His no-nonsense approach has won over countless Catholics and non-Catholics alike.

He was born Peter Groeschel in Jersey City, New Jersey on July 23, 1933 as the first of six children that would be gifted to his parents Marjule Smith and Edward Groeschel, the chief civil engineer on such projects as the United Nations building and the Lincoln Center. The family was brought up to be strong Catholics actively involved in parish life. The Blessed Virgin Mary played a vital role in young Peter's life for he attended grade school at St. Aloysius School in Caldwell, New Jersey and graduated high school from Immaculate Conception Seminary in Garrison, New York in May of 1951. A few months later he knew what God wanted of him and entered the Capuchin Order on July 6, 1951. After a year of Novitiate he was simply professed taking the name Benedict Joseph on September 1, 1952 and three years later professed his solemn vows while continuing his major seminary studies. On June 20, 1959 at the age of 26 he was ordained a Capuchin priest.

His first assignment was to return to school - Iona College of the Christian Brothers where he obtained his Masters Degree in Counseling in 1964. The faculty at Iona and his Capuchin superiors of the Province of St. Mary were so impressed with young Father Benedict that they recommended he teach pastoral counseling. To do this he first had to pursue a Doctorate in Psychology which he attained in 1971 from Columbia University in New York City.

Though he was an avid and ardent student, studying is not all this young priest did. A year after ordination he was also was appointed chaplain at the Children's Village in Dobbs Ferry, New York. It was and still is today the largest psychological treatment center for emotionally disturbed youth in the US. For fourteen years until 1974 he held various supervisory part-time positions in addition to heading the small friary at Children's Village and counseling the youth who were struggling for direction and understanding. These youth found many answers to their lives and God's part in their lives through Father Benedict. By 1965 he was in demand to teach at the Capuchin Seminary Mary Immaculate Friary, Iona Pastoral Counseling Institute, Maryknoll Seminary and the Maryknoll Sisters' institution Mary Rogers College as well as Immaculate Conception Seminary and Fordham University. Midway through his tenure at Children's he was also named provincial difinitor of the province as well as serving as delegate to the general chapter of the Capuchins in 1974.

The results of his counseling, teaching prowess and the manner in which he treated his subjects grabbed the notice of many, including Cardinal Terence Cooke, then Archbishop of New York. Cardinal Cooke asked Father Benedict to initiate a program for spiritual development for the Archdiocese, a position he still holds today. It began with opening a center for prayer and study for the clergy which was called Trinity Retreat Center in Larchmont, New York. In addition Father Groeschel oversaw the initiation of the Center for Spiritual Development for the Laity at Trinity which is also still under his supervision. Largely through his expertise and dedication, Trinity Retreat has become a turning point for clergy with vocational crises. Over 75 priests have returned to active ministry through the programs established at Trinity by Father Benedict, including some services to members of the hierarchy requested by the Apostolic Pro-Nuncio.

In 1982 Cardinal Cooke and Father Groeschel approached Father John Harvey, O.S.F.S. to ask him to start a movement for homosexual persons seeking to lead a chaste life and Father Harvey developed the Courage Movement; three years later Father Groeschel wrote the book The Courage to be Chaste. He has writtten numerous other books, fifteen in all as well as tapes on spirituality and pastoral counseling and who is not aware of his television program "Get a life in Christ"? Some of his early books were Spiritual Passages, The Psychology of Spiritual Development in 1983 published by Crossroads; Listening at Prayer in 1984 and Stumbling Blocks or Stepping Stones in 1986. These two, along with Courage were published by Paulist Press.

It was in 1982 that Father Benedict's renown would spread from New York to the world through the medium of Catholic television and EWTN. Mother Angelica met with Father Groeschel and asked him to tape 17 programs. He agreed and ever since has traveled to Irondale, Alabama at least twice a year to record 17 programs and appear on Mother's show. His appearances have been some of the most popular shows Mother has had as the two get together for some no-nonsense teaching the tenets of the Church. It's truly a delight to view.

Father Benedict, the Archdiocese and the world lost a true apostle when Cardinal Cooke died October 6, 1983. On January 31, 1984 his successor was installed. He was Cardinal John J. O'Connor who set about honoring his predecessor by appointing Father Groeschel as Promoter of the Cause of Beatification of Terence Cardinal Cooke. Eight years later Father Benedict would be named Diocesan Postulator of the Cause of the Servant of God, a position and responsibility he still holds today.

It was in 1987 that Father Benedict's course would take another direction. He, along with eight other Capuchin friars met with Cardinal O'Connor requesting permission to establish an association of the faithful to seek a more literal and traditional observance of the Capuchin Reform. The other eight friars elected Father Groeschel to mediate with the Archdiocese and the Capuchin Order in representing the requested Franciscan Friars of the Renewal. Cardinal O'Connor consented and the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal or "Gray Friars" were approved. During the three year period of initial probation as the fledgling order began Father Benedict served as the superior of the community in dealing with the Archdiocese and the Capuchin Order. In 1990, Father Benedict attempted to seek a return to the Capuchin Order as a separate jurisdiction under the General at the request of Dominican Cardinal Jean Jerome Hamer. The Belgian Prefect of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life met with the entire community and encouraged both the reform movement and the possibility of return to the Capuchin Order. Unfortunately these negotiations were not acceptable to the provincials of the Capuchins in the United States and Canada despite Rome's plea.

That same year Father Benedict published a spiritual biography on Cardinal Cooke entitled Thy Will Be Done published by Alba House; a book on personal and ecclesial reform, The Reform of Renewal and three years later A Still Small Voice which was a guide on reported private revelations. Both the latter two were published by Ignatius Press. In 1994 Servant Publications published Healing the Original Wound and Heaven in Our Hands. In 1995 Ignatius Press released Arise From Darkness. In 1997 Sunday Visitor Press published his book on Eucharistic Adoration appropriately called, In the Presence of the Lord: The Psychology, History and Theology of Eucharistic Adoration and followed that up last year with his most recent book A Priest Forever.

On May 28 of this year, the Community of Franciscan Friars of the Renewal was established as a Diocesan Institute in the Archdiocese of New York with six of the founding friars present to profess vows to Cardinal O'Connor including Father Benedict, Father Andrew Apostoli, Father Stan Fortuna, Father Bob Lombardo, Father Robert Stanion, and Father Glenn Sudano. Today the friars operate at least six friaries in the New York City area and several centers in which they distribute food and clothing and provide shelter for the homeless. For more on the wonderful works of this new Institute, we highly recommend going to www.franciscanfriars.com

Father Benedict is the Almoner of the community in charge of obtaining and distributing alms to the poor and needy. As Father Benedict quips, "We don't measure how we're doing by dollars but by pounds - as in how many pounds of food we gave away." Father Groeschel's plate is full as he continues to teach today at St. Joseph's Seminary in New York - where he taught last Thursday's recipient on this list of TOP 100 CATHOLICS OF THE CENTURY: Father Frank Pavone. He is also an adjunct at Immaculate Conception Seminary in Newark and the Spirituality Year for New York-Philadelphia along with the Center for Spiritual Development of New York Archidiocese. In addition he is a member of the Board of Directors for Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio.

How does he do it all? Prayer and trust in God. As Friars of the Renewal they have taken a vow of poverty which means they depend totally on donations to keep going and to help others in the strictest sense established by Saint Francis. They own nothing and yet, the Community is thriving and thousands of citizens of New York are being fed as are countless viewers spiritually along with parishioners the world over who have heard and been touched by this bearded Friar whose no-nonsense sincerity is legendary. Once you meet or are exposed to this man's charisma and his spirituality you will never forget him. He has been heard throughout the world, and, in addition to the countless converts he has touched, one simple fact remains: He will always remain a New Yorker, melded to his roots and giving back to the community all he can for you can take the priest out of New York, but you can't take New York out of the priest. Sincere and genuine through and through. That's Father Benedict Groeschel, C.F.R.

THis is old by good.

Edited January 12, 2004 by cmotherofpirl

[Anna]

O my, I just received a similar email and posted it immediately in the Prayer thread. Although my email said that he was in an induced coma. I hope that it's not that serious.

Thanks for the info.

May God restore him to full health, that he may continue to serve the flock.

Pax Christi. <><

[jmjtina]

EWTN NEWS: :sadder:

Fr. Groeschel Critically Injured in Car Accident

in Florida

EWTNews- Fr. Benedict Groeschel, CFR, well known to EWTN viewers for his numerous series and appearances on the network, is in critical but stable condition at Orlando Regional Medical Center after being struck by a car near Orlando International Airport in Florida. The incident occurred Sunday evening. Details are sketchy but sources say the priest was walking to a restaurant for a meal when he was hit. EWTNews will keep you informed of this situation as it develops.

Please keep Fr. Groeschel in your prayers.

and pray we shall.

[littleflower+JMJ]

prayers for one of our beloved priests!!

may he recover and be well!!!

+JMJ

[joemal1117]

Latest info on Fr. Groeschel

PRAYER URGENCY: TV PREACHER FATHER BENEDICT GROESCHEL HIT BY CAR IN FLORIDA

Renowned TV priest Father Benedict Groeschel, author of numerous books and popular on the Catholic network EWTN, is still in critical but stable condition after he was hit by a car near Orlando International Airport Sunday night. He in the intensive care unit at Orlando Regional Medical Center. Details remain sketchy but reports are that he had just arrived in Orlando and was walking to a place for food when he was struck, possibly breaking a leg and arm. Other reports say he has 2 broken legs, a broken hand, head injuries and suffered a mild heart attack when he was hit. At latest reports he was partially conscious and awaiting surgery. We ask all to pray for this fine priest. Father Groeschel was on the way to a priests' retreat. Another priest who appears on EWTN, Father George Rutler, was there and ministered the sacrament of the sick to Father Groeschel.

[BLAZEr]

It's very true and he's not very well. Pray very very hard. He's a dear friend of mine, and he is very critical.

Hail Mary, Full of Grace, the Lord is with thee, blessed are thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Our Lady Queen of Priests, pray for us and Fr. Benedict.

[BLAZEr]

You can check for the latest updates here, at the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal website.

http://www.franciscanfriars.com/

[the_rev]

Wow, Ewtn has been hit by a curse, first Mother Angelica, now Fr. Benedict!

Let's keep both in our prayers!

[Birgitta Noel]

:sadder: Yes, it is true, I got this from Catholic Exchange...it's much of the same, but the stuff at the end is touching!

In MAry, Birgitta

Renowned TV priest Father Benedict Groeschel, author of numerous books and popular EWTN commentator, was hit by a car near Orlando International Airport Sunday night, according to reports on the national radio program, Morning Air with Jeff Cavins. He is in stable but critical condition at the intensive care unit at Orlando Regional Medical Center.

Details remain sketchy, but reports are that he had just arrived in Orlando and was walking to a place for food when he was struck, possibly breaking a leg and arm. Latest reports indicate that he is partially conscious and awaiting surgery. We humbly ask all to pray for this fine priest.

I was with Fr. Groeschel yesterday morning at a Marian and Eucharistic Conference in Paso Robles, California. We spoke about Mel Gibson's movie, The Passion of The Christ, and the growth of Catholic radio and made plans to speak by phone again next week. After praying the rosary in the conference center, Father took the stage to encourage the audience of a thousand Catholics to develop and spread the devotion of Eucharistic Adoration. Instead of applause at the end of his powerful speech, he asked for a Marian hymn to be sung. ("I can't stand applause," he told the adoring crowd.) As the thousand faithful raised their voices in song, Father left the stage and the building to hurry to the airport to make his flight to Florida.

I am deeply saddened to hear of this accident, and ask all members of the Catholic Exchange family to please keep good Fr. Groeschel in your prayers.

Sincerely in Christ,

Tom Allen

President, Catholic Exchange

http://www.catholicexchange.com/

Producer, Starboard Network

http://www.relevantradio.com/

[BLAZEr]

It's not a curse Rev. God does his greatest work through suffering, just remember the cross. I know that personally, I haven't been praying as hard as I have been today.

Deus Domine, Miserere Nobis.