Saturday, October 4, 2014

Father Benedict Groeschel Has Died

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 alsotaught 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.
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.

Wednesday, October 8th
- A wake will be held on from 12-9 PM at St. Adalbert’s Church
 located at 420 E 156th Street, Bronx, NY 10455
Thursday, October 9th
- A wake will be held at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart
 located at 89 Ridge Street in Newark, NJ 07104 from 4-7 PM.
 A prayer vigil will be held from 7-9 PM.
Friday, October 10th
- The funeral Mass will be held at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart
 located at 89 Ridge Street in Newark, NJ 07104, at 11 AM.