Father Groeschel slowed but working again after near-fatal accident

Published: 2004-08-10

NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. (CNS) -- Father Benedict J. Groeschel, who hovered near death after a car hit him Jan. 11 in Orlando, Fla., is again walking and working. The priest, a Franciscan Friar of the Renewal, walks more slowly and carries a cane for extra security. At daily Mass, he is usually a concelebrant rather than the celebrant. And an afternoon nap has become a new feature of his life. "But I walked over a mile yesterday," he said in an interview Aug. 9. Internationally known for his retreat work, Father Groeschel said he had led a retreat the previous week, the first since his accident, and had another scheduled for September. Mother Angelica's EWTN cable network has been an outlet for his work, and has replayed some of his old programs during his illness. But he said he had recorded one new program and planned others. EWTN announced Aug. 9 that the priest would appear via satellite Aug. 11 on "EWTN Live," hosted by Jesuit Father Mitch Pacwa. Father Groeschel said he also plans to resume teaching a course in pastoral psychology at the New York archdiocesan seminary, St. Joseph's in Yonkers, N.Y., this fall.

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