Father Groeschel still in Florida hospital after Jan. 11 accident

Published: 2004-01-30

ORLANDO, Fla. (CNS) -- Father Benedict Groeschel, a founder of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, an evangelist on the Eternal Word Television Network and a prolific author on spiritual matters, remained in an Orlando hospital Jan. 30 after being hit by a car Jan. 11 near the Orlando International Airport. He was listed in critical but stable condition, according to Father Glenn Sudano, superior of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, who also said the priest has come through a number of successful surgeries to repair injuries he sustained in the accident. But Father Sudano also said Father Groeschel suffered a brief reversal Jan. 29 when his blood pressure dropped and his pulse rate went flat, requiring five minutes of intense work by the hospital's trauma team to stabilize his condition. He added Father Groeschel did not suffer a heart attack in the episode, nor did he suffer any neurological or brain damage, and that other friars who saw him once they were allowed to enter his room said he looked "awake and alert."

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