One year after near-fatal auto accident, priest resumes schedule

Published: 2005-01-28

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (CNS) -- A crowd of more than 1,000 people packed Blessed Sacrament Church in Alexandria Jan. 21 to be in the presence of the Eucharist and to hear Father Benedict Groeschel, a Franciscan Friar of the Renewal and a popular writer and retreat leader. "Almost a year ago you were praying for me not to go to purgatory," said Father Groeschel, who hovered near death after a car hit him Jan. 11, 2004, in Orlando, Fla. He underwent a long recovery and last fall resumed his schedule, but the effects of the near-fatal car accident could still be seen. The 71-year-old priest was aided as he walked with a cane into the church. Among his weaknesses, Father Groeschel said, is that one of his arms is "permanently broken," but this did not stop him from spending 90 minutes after his appearance to sign books and talk to people. According to Father Groeschel, the renewal of the church will begin when people start giving respect and reverence to the Eucharist. He told stories about the "old days" when people never spoke inside the church.

Copyright (c) 2005 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .