May 30, 2004 / 22:00 pm
Over the weekend, Fr. Benedict Groeschel, who is recovering from a car accident that took place on January 11 in Florida, wrote a message to people praying for him stressing his conviction that everyone has been called to do something for God.
Father Groeschel, director of the Office of Spiritual Development for the Archdiocese of New York, and founder of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal –a congregation pursuing radical poverty, evangelization and pro-life witness- had both legs, both arms and several ribs broken, when he was hit by a car while crossing the street.
He also sustained intracranial bleeding and suffered a heart attack, among other injuries. At the time, the priest's secretary said that it would "take a miracle" for the 70 year old priest to survive.
Fr. Groeschel wrote the following letter dated May 28:
“Having narrowly escaped death in three distinct medical situations, all related to the accident, in which the doctors had practically given up hope, I can say something that I think everyone needs to think about.
All of a sudden it dawns on me that God wants me to be here. I never thought much about that before, but I have to think about it now because otherwise I’d be in my grave.
People tell me that God sent me back because I had something to do for Him. But we all have something to do for Him. You and I exist out of an immense number of potential beings who might have been created, but who were not, so that God could be glorified and that we could do His will.
You have something to do, which has never been given to anyone else, you may not know what it is in this world, but you will find out what it is in the next.
The way to do the best is to try to follow God’s commandments to live faithfully by the message of the Gospel, to carry the cross and to trust that when your work is done He will call you home to His heavenly kingdom. That is our great hope. I do not understand how people can go through life without that hope.
Let us continue to pray for each other!
Fr. Benedict.”
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
At Catholic News Agency, our team is committed to reporting the truth with courage, integrity, and fidelity to our faith. We provide news about the Church and the world, as seen through the teachings of the Catholic Church. When you subscribe to the CNA UPDATE, we'll send you a daily email with links to the news you need and, occasionally, breaking news.
As part of this free service you may receive occasional offers from us at EWTN News and EWTN. We won't rent or sell your information, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Click hereOur mission is the truth. Join us!
Your monthly donation will help our team continue reporting the truth, with fairness, integrity, and fidelity to Jesus Christ and his Church.
Donate to CNA