Today I reflect on a man that has been such an inspiration for our time and our country!

Please view this beautiful video of Fr. Benedict Groeschel CFR.
Last night we went down to SC for a Parish Mission at St. John Newmann Catholic Church. It was such a joy to hear Fr. Benedict in person. His message was so encouraging as he spoke of Mother Theresa and Fr. Solanus Casey relating their witness for Christ in their lives and bring a bit of Heaven to earth.
Fr. Benedict CFR is a great witness for Christ in NY. He started out as a Jersey boy becoming a Capuchin and then one of the founders of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal bringing hope and Christ's love to those who were in need in the Bronx, and now in Harlem, Newark, Yonkers, New Mexico, Texas, Ireland, and England. He has written over 30 books and has been a light for many by offering shelter to the poor, food to the hungry, courage to the weak, and truth to those who desire it. He has been very active in the civil rights movement. Father Groeschel and a rabbi in Croton-on-Hudson had raised the money to buy the blue station wagon that Michael Schwerner was driving when he, James Chaney and Andrew Goodman were kidnapped and later killed by the Ku Klux Klan in Mississippi in 1964. He has continued to fight for those who had no voice as he tirelessly speaks for the unborn and forgotten having lead prayer vigils at abortion clinics, written inspiring books and articles, through his Sunday Night Live show and always teaching about the ways to walk in the steps of Christ carrying our individual Cross given to us by our Lord, he has also shown how many more can also be Christ to the poor, hungry, disheartened, and a voice for the silenced. He has been a leader in this battle against the culture of death and inspired many to take up their cross and pave a new path that leads to a culture of Life!

Throughout the CFRs there is a little of Fr. Benedict in all of the brothers and none of them lack that quick wit, strong faith, love of the Eucharist and brightly shining Christs Love to all they meet. He has instilled a lover of souls to all of his brothers. Thank you Fr. Benedict for your example and for your faith and the love you show us through your love of Christ truly present in the Eucharist!

Here is an interesting article on Fr. Benedict CFR from the NY Times...