UPDATE: Schedule of Services for Fr. Groeschel + more
We received word this morning that Fr. Groeschel died last night. He was 81 and has been in ill-health for awhile.
It would be difficult to overestimate the impact he had in the NY area, the nation, and even the world.
A man who called us to personal conversion and a champion of the poor, the unborn, and the elderly.
A true son of St. Francis, Father Benedict died on the vigil of the Feast of St. Francis.
Information on the CFR website:
http://franciscanfriars.com/
Here is their statement:
For Immediate Release
October 4, 2014
Contact: Br. Angelus Montgomery, CFR: 718-402-8255
STATEMENT ON THE DEATH OF FATHER BENEDICT J. GROESCHEL
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The Catholic Church and the Franciscan family lost a giant today. This moment is one that finds the Community of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal (CFR) with mixed emotions, as we are deeply saddened by the loss of Fr. Benedict but also relieved that God has set him free from the physical and mental suffering he has experienced over the past decade.
The world knew Father Benedict as a priest, teacher, evangelist, retreat master, and a steadfast defender of and advocate for the Catholic Church that he loved so much. The members of his religious family saw all these things in him, too. But even more, we were also blessed to know him as a father who cared for each of us, a father who was always accessible when we needed him and always glad to see us when we came to visit.
The words of a fellow Franciscan, Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa, describing St. Francis, characterize Fr. Benedict well, “His intuition of a universal brotherhood, extending to every creature, accompanied by his choice of minority, turn him and his followers into the brothers of every person, the enemies of none, and the companions of the least ones.”
Fr. Benedict was a brother and a father to everyone he encountered. In a world often overwhelmed with darkness, he was a man filled with hope, a hope that he shared with both the rich and poor alike. His love for others and deep desire to serve, sent him among poor families who were in need of assistance, young people trying to find their way, bishops faced with challenging decisions, priests and religious in need of an encouraging word, and the stranger who was far from God. Fr. Benedict was at home in every circumstance and every encounter. “The providence of God,” he would say, “was the mystery of God reaching out at every moment and revealing his love and presence to us all.”
It is not an exaggeration to say that Fr. Benedict was selfless. Those who knew him well understood that it was simply his nature to be so. He poured himself out for others no matter what the cost—and sometimes the cost to him was very great. To have known him was to have been helped by him and even loved by him. Our CFR Family and everyone who knew him received an enormous amount from Fr. Benedict—probably more than we were ever able to give back. It was not simply his wealth of wisdom and knowledge from which many benefited. It was his profound faith and equally profound love, two gifts that he never failed to share generously.
Join with us in praying for the repose of the soul of Fr. Benedict, for his family and Community, and also in thanksgiving for the legacy of renewal within the Church and Franciscan family that Fr. Benedict championed.
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FATHER BENEDICT J. GROESCHEL, DEVOTED RELIGIOUS AND PRIEST, DIES AT 81
Groeschel Moved Many With His Sincere Faith, Towering Intellect, Passionate Preaching, and Commitment to the Poor
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Fr. Benedict J. Groeschel, beloved priest and preacher, died on October 3, 2014, the vigil of the Feast of St. Francis, after complications with an ongoing illness. He was 81.
Fr. Benedict was a founder of the Community of Franciscan Friars of the Renewal (CFR), a reform community started in 1987 by eight Capuchin Friars based in New York City. A priest and psychologist, he was director of Trinity Retreat House in Larchmont, New York, and also taught Pastoral Psychology for many years at St. Joseph’s Seminary in Dunwoodie. Fr. Benedict was a popular writer, preacher, retreat master, and evangelist on Catholic television. His greatest joy was serving the poor and underprivileged. Founder of St. Francis House and Good Counsel Homes, he also served as chaplain at Children’s Village in Dobbs Ferry for 14 years. Always deeply concerned with the welfare of others, he tirelessly provided food, clothing, and assistance to people in need—people he always considered his friends.
Father Benedict is survived by his sister, Marjule Drury, several nieces and nephews, 115 CFR brothers and priests, and 31sisters who were inspired by his authentic witness to religious life and devotion to Jesus and His Church.
Wrote Fr. John Paul Ouellette, Community Servant, Franciscan Friars of the Renewal: “We are deeply saddened by the death of Fr. Benedict. He was an example to us all. His fidelity and service to the Church and commitment to our Franciscan way of life will have a tremendous impact for generations to come.”
Details for the wake and funeral will be forth coming.
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Father Benedict, Has touched so many in so many ways, a true follower of Jesus Christ, he is an example for all of us to imitate. We have lost a great friend and teacher. Let us carry on his good work.
Father Benedict rest in peace.
Posted by: Fanny Caiazza Logiudice | October 04, 2014 at 12:54 PM
I know my first impulse is to be sad at Father Benedict's passing. Yet, we know that the world is such a better place for his being with us. I beleive it is a jewish saying, His life was a blessing to us all.
Posted by: Catherine Adago | October 04, 2014 at 04:42 PM
I will remember him with GREAT kindness. and his having Europe's most active Pro Life Priest, Fr.James Morrow, of Humanae Vitae House in Braemar, Scotland, on his Sunday Night Live Program hosted from Dunwoodie in Yonkers!
Bernadette Harris
Gerry Forstrom
Posted by: Bernadette Harris | October 04, 2014 at 07:15 PM
Father Benedict was a priest for the everyday person. He always spoke plainly and clearly and always with a little humor. "WELL DONE GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT"..
Posted by: Patricia Harris | October 04, 2014 at 09:53 PM
A true son of St. Francis. And he died the very day Francis died, October 3rd!
Posted by: tom faranda | October 04, 2014 at 10:02 PM
We have a powerful intercessor in heaven that we can all pray to so that the most vulnerable among us, the poorest of the poor, can be protected. There will be many babies saved because of Fr. Benedict Groeschel's prayers. Rest in the peace you have been so justly rewarded for I am sure Our Heavenly Father said"
Welcome home my good and faithful servant".
Posted by: Eileen Peterson | October 05, 2014 at 07:37 AM
He's interceding -- in Heaven -- for all of us in the pro-life movement.
Posted by: Anne Mitchell | October 05, 2014 at 04:21 PM
How many thousands of us all around the world are now united in mourning the loss of Fr. Benedict, while at the same time thanking God for the many years we were blessed to have him with us. Fr. Benedict, thank you, rest in peace, and please pray for us!
Posted by: Elizabeth Rex | October 05, 2014 at 08:27 PM
Truly a devoted son of St. Francis. May he rest in peace
Posted by: Michael Pallister | October 22, 2014 at 05:08 PM