Father Groeschel still in critical condition after being hit by car

Published: 2004-01-14

ORLANDO, Fla. (CNS) -- Father Benedict Groeschel, a founder of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal and a prolific author and evangelist on the Eternal Word Television Network, was critically injured in Orlando Jan. 11 when he was hit by a car near the Orlando International Airport. As of Jan. 13 Father Groeschel was listed in critical condition in intensive care at Orlando Regional Healthcare in downtown Orlando. Joe Brown, a spokesman for the hospital, said that at the request of Father Groeschel's family and as a result of new patient privacy laws, he was unable to comment further on the priest's condition. Brown did say the hospital's Catholic chaplain, Father Bill Gohring, had been contacted to assist with the patient's pastoral care. In a brief telephone conversation Jan. 13, Father Gohring said he was involved "a little bit" with the case and had assisted a group of priests who had traveled with Father Groeschel find nearby places to stay. Sgt. Brian Gilliam, Orlando Police spokesman, said Father Groeschel was crossing State Road 436, a major thoroughfare, and was nearly all the way across when a car hit him.

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