Fr Benedict Groeschel

Fr. Benedict Groeschel was an American Franciscan friar, Catholic priest, retreat master, author, psychologist, activist, and television host. He was one of the founders of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, a reform movement within the Capuchin Order. He worked with the poor and needy, especially in New York City, and founded several ministries and homes for them. He also taught at various seminaries and universities, and wrote over 30 books on spirituality, psychology, and social issues. He hosted the television talk program Sunday Night Prime on EWTN for over 25 years, as well as several other shows and specials. He was a close friend of Mother Teresa, Mother Angelica, and Cardinal John O'Connor.

Highly recommend his book Spiritual Passages.

Key Insights

Fr. Benedict's key insights were based on his deep love for God and his Church, his extensive knowledge of psychology and theology, his personal experience of suffering and healing, and his compassionate care for the marginalized and oppressed. He challenged Catholics to grow in holiness and virtue, to trust in God's providence and mercy, to discern God's will and voice in their lives, to defend the dignity of every human person from conception to natural death, to embrace the cross as a source of grace and hope, and to evangelize the world with joy and courage.

Quotes

"The worst thing that can happen to you is not that you die but that you lose your faith." - Fr. Benedict Groeschel

"God loves you unconditionally as you are and not as you should be because nobody is as they should be." - Fr. Benedict Groeschel

"The most important thing in your life is not what you do; it's who you become." - Fr. Benedict Groeschel

"The only way to peace is forgiveness - to accept God's forgiveness and to offer forgiveness to those who have hurt us." - Fr. Benedict Groeschel

"The Christian life is not a constant high. I have my moments of deep discouragement. I have to go to God in prayer with tears in my eyes and say 'O God forgive me' or 'Help me.'" - Fr. Benedict Groeschel