Benedict J. Groeschel

A contemporary treatment of the traditional theme of chastity that shows that a mature chastity can be loving, peaceful and fulfilled. †

Well-known author, psychologist and priest Fr. Benedict Groeschel draws on his own years of personal experiences in dealing with people's problems, tragedies and "darkness" as he offers help and guidance for any Christian troubled or burdened by life. If you are struggling with fear, anxiety, grief, loss of loved ones, hurt, anger or anything that makes life difficult or the road through it dark, then this book was written for you. Fr. Benedict offers practical suggestions on how to keep going and even grow with the help of God's grace, even when this help seems remote. The Christian response to the problem of evil and suffering began with the cross of Christ. Our answer is inseparable from the cross-from Jesus' own encounter with evil and his triumph over it. In this light, Fr. Benedict recalls some of our most frequently encountered sorrows and the failure of friends, financial and personal insecurity, the failure of some in the Church, our own inconsistent behaviors and weaknesses, and the death of loved ones. As we examine these painful experiences, he shows that we can find solutions in the Gospel and in the lives of saints, heroes, and very brave ordinary people. "Many guides have been written for people struggling with the mystery of evil. But each generation, each age has its own dark background in front of which the struggle to keep going must be worked out. In every age, men ask 'how am I going to go on to arise from darkness?' It is that which my book will address."ùFr. Benedict Groeschel, CFR

Since when is being called "virtuous" an insult? "She's quite virtuous?" sounds rather prissy, doesn't it? Father Benedict J. Groeschel, C.F.R., would agree. It's a word that's gotten a bad rap, misused and misunderstood even by great thinkers, philosophers, and theologians, and mocked in the cynical soundbites of the media. Rediscover virtue as it should be understood in our lives. With wit, warmth, and wisdom, Father Groeschel reintroduces the Seven Cardinal Virtues of prudence, justice, temperance, fortitude, faith, hope, and charity. One by one he makes them meaningful for modern men and women, shaking off the dusty mantle of pretentiousness and demonstrating how each has a real role in a whole and holy life. Father Groeschel's charming conversational style entertains even as he educates and challenges us.

From renowned EWTN host and author Benedict Groeschel, this is a profound discussion of the stages of spiritual growth. Of special note is the way Groeschel identifies four distinct approaches to God (as Beauty, Truth, the Good, and the One) and shows how each leads to a different kind of spiritual path or pilgrimage.

Therapeutic meditations that show how human weakness can be changed by grace, prayer, insight, and choice into stepping stones on the road to God. †

Father Groeschel, the highly respected author, psychologist, spiritual director and leader of renewal in the religious life, has written a brief but comprehensive practical guide for all those interested in private revelations, the reports of visions and other extraordinary religious phenomena that are so widespread in these times. Because of the intense interest in extraordinary religious experience that ranges from Medjugorje to the New Age, Groeschel's book is an urgently needed resource that gives practical norms to everyone on how to evaluate these claims. Drawing on spiritual classics and Church documents not readily available, he summarizes the Church's perennial wisdom on this topic. He also offers an alternative to unusual and extraordinary ways of knowing the things of God, which is a normal everyday opportunity open to all called "religious experience"--the action of grace operating in the context of a human life that can become a powerful source of virtue and holiness. Father Groeschel skillfully directs the reader to the humbler and safer path which discerns God's presence in prayer, Scripture, the sacraments and love of neighbor. The great example of this path to holiness is St. Therese of Lisieux who, though having very few extraordinary experiences, was filled with a profound awareness of God's presence and said, "To ecstasy, I prefer the monotony of sacrifice."

Fr. Benedict Groeschel, best-selling author and beloved spiritual teacher, writer, and psychologist, wrote this latest book for all those who have suffered great sorrow or catastrophe in their lives and for those close to such persons, who share their deep suffering. Sorrow comes into the life of every person, but only into the lives of some people comes catastrophe. These are disasters that occur either suddenly or with terrible effects, like the death of a child. They can be natural disasters like hurricanes, or they can be horrific accidents or tragedies caused by people's evil acts. They can also arise from wars and situations of great tension. Fr. Benedict has written previously about faith and sorrow ( Arise from Darkness ) and seeks in this book to study catastrophes of all different kinds in relationship to our faith in divine providence, in God's goodness and mercy, and finally in the light of Christ's suffering and death. Christianity is the only religion which speaks of a God who suffered a terrible catastropheùcrucifixion and death. Therefore, the Christian must, in the midst of catastrophe, find his way to the foot of the cross, and there he will find answers which cannot be given by any other religious faith. All religions attempt to deal with catastrophe, all confront the mystery of suffering and of evil. Christianity invites you to share the burden of your catastrophe with the person who is our Savior and Redeemer, one who Himself endured great pain and sorrow, the son of God, Jesus Christ.

A masterfully simple and useful book on prayer written by an experienced retreat leader, counselor, and lecturer. Discusses how listening can be the key to encountering God in a fresh way in our lives. †

After the impact of the car shattered his body on the evening of January 11, 2004, … … the hospital trauma-unit staff offered little hope that Father Benedict Groeschel, C.F.R., would survive. Then the news spread. And the prayers began. "Apparently, by a medical miracle, I am still alive — having really been considered dead. One can’t miss the conclusion that when this happens, God still wants you here. … I don’t know what God has in store for me, nor do you know what He has in store for you; yet a conviction that must guide us both is ‘Your will be done.’ " Now Father Benedict reflects on the good that has come — and continues to come — from that horrific accident. And, responding to questions posed by noted British journalist John Bishop in an interview before the accident, he reflects • Founding the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal • Spending time in jail for civil disobedience outside an abortion clinic • Recognizing where God is when suffering intensifies and evil prospers • Understanding Christ’s feeling of abandonment on the cross • Discovering and living one’s vocation • Loving the poor wholeheartedly • Being "gently scolded" by Mother Teresa of Calcutta • And more. "I want to share with you two principles upon which I have built my life. The first is from St. ‘God does not cause evil, but that evil should not become the worst.’ ‘There are no accidents. Evil things occur because of bad will or stupidity or fatigue, yet whatever the cause God will bring good out of it if we let Him.’ "

This is the true story of Eugene Hamilton, a young man who dreamed of becoming a priest; a young man stricked with terminal cancer as his life was just beginning; a man who was ordained, by papal dispensation, just hours before he died.

Fr. Groeschel knows first hand that most people prefer to avoid the issue of mortality entirely. He explains that through a better understanding of the Christian faith, a person can learn to live each new day with confidence based on the mercy and love of the Savior.

Responding to the Pope’s Apostolic Letter on the Rosary, his five new “Luminous Mysteries”, and declaration of 2003 as “The Year of the Rosary”, Fr. Groeschel presents this book of meditations on all 20 mysteries of the rosary. Drawing on his vast personal experiences as well as the grand traditions of the Church, he takes us on a spiritual journey that will inspire us to greater depths of prayer. This special book includes: The Pope’s Letter on the Rosary, Rosarium Virginis Mariae , and lavishly illustrated with 20 classic color paintings.

He said..., So, could you not watch with me one hour? (Mt 26:40). For centuries, Catholics have answered Christ's plea by placing themselves before His presence in the Blessed Sacrament. Now, for the first time, the theological, historical, and psychological reasons for Eucharistic devotion are revealed. Unlike books that merely present the technical aspects of setting up Eucharistic devotion in a chapel or parish, In the Presence of Our Lord: The History, Theology, and Psychology of Eucharistic Devotion focuses on how the Blessed Sacrament has been a source of comfort and faith for countless Christians. A book that will inspire as well as educate and inform, In the Presence of Our Lord is an invaluable guide for all who would keep watch with Christ. I believe that the authors of this fine work have made a penetrating reflection on the great gift of the Eucharist and the history of adoration with which the Church has responded to such a gift. It has tremendous possibilities as an aid in preaching on the Eucharist and untold probabilities concerning the deepening of one's faith in the Lord's presence in this great gift. -Most Reverend Harry J. Flynn, D.D., Archbishop of Saint Paul and Minneapolis About the Authors:World renowned lecturer and retreat master Father Benedict J. Groeschel is professor of pastoral pyschology at St. Joseph's Seminary in New York. The director for the Office of Spiritual Development of the Archdiocese of New York, he is also a founding member of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal. A prolific author and regular guest on EWTN, he is founder of Trinity Retreat, a center for prayer and study for the clergy. James Montis is an experienced researcher and writer on topics of Catholic historical interest. He is the author of Our Sunday Visitor's The Week of Salvation, a comprehensive treatment of Holy Week and historical, liturgical, and cultural events.

Father Benedict Groeschel invites us to explore the astonishing mystery of God's loving plan for us. We all hunger to know more about God and our own destiny. Healing the Original Wound is a book about our journey toward God, our journey from the personal hell of sin and alienation toward the paradise of being held in the "Everlasting Arms of God." It is a book for anyone who knows something about the imperative need, the restlessness, the hunger we all have to find unfailing love in the brief reality that we call our lives. A Servant Book.

In his first-ever memoir, Fr. Benedict Groeschel introduces you to the men and women who have influenced him over the course of his life. Some are unknown, such as Mr. Graff, a Jewish man who tailored the suit the young man would wear to the seminary. His "Look, I don't understand about monasteries, but I'll give you a piece of advice. Be a good boy." Some are famous, such as Mother Teresa, Cardinal O'Connor, and Fr. Solanus Casey who once, in Fr. Benedict's presence, stepped unprotected into a swarm of angry bees, pulled out his harmonica, and played "Mother McCree" to calm them.All of them changed his life in big and small ways. Their stories will not only inspire you, but also help you appreciate those you have met over the years who have enriched and deepened your own life and inspire you to make a difference in someone else's life.The audio edition of this book can be downloaded via

Just what did the Apostle Paul mean when he said, Pray without ceasing (1 Thess. 5:17)?In this perceptive and timely book, celebrated spiritual teacher Benedict Groeschel demonstrates how the combination of grace with enduring Christian truths and practices will enable you to experience a deep, rewarding prayer life that in effect, permeates everything you do.But Groeschel is not implying everyone should join a monastery. In fact, he points out that half of the communication equation has already been solved by ordinary Christians. God, who created humans in His image, is constantly trying to get in touch with us. He uses the gift of our senses, the beauty of creation, and the riches of music, art, and literature as a kind of celestial call-waiting system.The challenge confronting us is to answer the call by cultivating an awareness of God s loving presence. The foundation for doing so is to establish and maintain a schedule of daily prayer, thereby creating a framework for communication with God. In addition, the Church offers a lavish variety of resources to support our personal efforts, from daily Mass attendance, to praying the Rosary, to engaging in the ancient practice of lectio divina. As we let God touch our spirits, we will begin to practice contemplation, a prerequisite for regarding everything in our lives as spiritual exercises.This remarkable book uses the testimonies of Scripture and of the lives of saints through the ages to show how you can make your words and actions a river of unceasing prayer.

The coming of Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh, is the central truth of the Christian faith. Everything in the Christian life depends on it and revolves around it. Against the backdrop of Scripture and the writings of the ancient Fathers of the Church, for each day of the Advent and Christmas seasons, Father Groeschel offers insightful reflections on Christ's coming—in history, in our personal lives, and at the end of time. A Servant Book.

The Cross at Ground Zero by Groeschel, Benedict J.. Published by Our Sunday Visitor,2002, Paperback

Father Benedict Groeschel believes that we've lost touch with how revolutionary the Beatitudes really are! The plain but astounding truth is that the Beatitudes reveal to us the very heart of God. When you begin to comprehend the beauty of living the Beatitudes that Jesus gave us, you'll discover that he's placed heaven in our hands.

In the season of Lent, we undertake spiritual disciplines to remind us of our participation in the death and resurrection of Christ. Here Father Benedict Groeschel, one of the American Church's most respected spiritual teachers, helps us embrace the mystery of the cross as a fundamental truth and reality of our faith. Against the backdrop of Scripture and the writings of the ancient Fathers of the Church, for each day of the Lent and Easter seasons, he offers thought-provoking reflections on Christ's agony, death, and glorious rising. A Servant Book.

The Saints in My LifeReflections on My Favorite Spiritual CompanionsIn his book, Travelers along the Way, The Men and Women Who Shaped My Life, Father Benedict J. Groeschel recounted stories of earthly personalities he has met, and the ways in which they have influenced him. Now the celebrated lecturer and retreat master addresses another dimension to this topic by introducing the heavenly companions he has come to know.The Saints in My Life encourages us to see the Communion of Saints as a spiritual extended family. As members of the Mystical Body of Christ they should be as present to us as anyone we meet on the street. By becoming familiar with the saints stories, you will discover lives that resonate with your own, building the foundation for a personal relationship with them.Father Groeschel reveals his favorite saints and his process for befriending the saints by describing:---His first encounter with the saint.---His friendship with and devotion to the saint.---The way the saint has influenced him and affected his life.Helpful sidebars in each chapter include a brief sketch of the life and significance of the saint; prayers Father Groeschel addresses to the saint; an excerpt from the writing of the saint or one of the saint's contemporaries; and, a review of a recommended book by or about the saint.Saints included:Saint Monica 331-387Saint Augustine 354-430Saint Benedict 480-547Saint Francis of Assisi c1181-1226Saint Clare of Assisi Saint Catherine of Siena Saint Catherine of Genoa Saint John Fischer Saint Thomas More Saint Teresa of ÃÂvila Saint Peter Canisius Saint John of the Cross Saint Benedict Joseph Labré Saint Catherine Labouré Saint Bernadette Soubirous Saint Thérèse of Lisieux Saint Maximilian Kolbe Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein) Saint Pio of Pietrelcina

World-renown author, Fr. Benedict J. Groeschel, shows how Augustine's influential work is just as relevant today as it was 1,600 years ago. A charming and accessible approach to the master, Augustine combines a variety of translations with Groeschel's own reflections and insight.

Book by Fr. Benedict J. Groeschel, C.F.R.

Who is God, and how do we know what he s like? In thirty short chapters that cover a wide range of subjects, best-selling authors Fr. Benedict Groeschel and Bert Ghezzi alert us to the manyfaceted ways we can learn about God through the daily circumstances of our lives. The face of God is unveiled by Groeschel and Ghezzi in engaging stories about forgiveness, kindness, conversion, and family, taken from personal experience, Scripture, literature, and the lives of ordinary people.In this unique book, the authors open our eyes to the Lord s attributes -- his love, his providence, his generosity, his justice, his creativity, his preoccupation with beauty, and more by discovering them in places as varied as the vastness of the heavens, the intricacies of our bodies, the genius of artists, and the love and care of our parents. Questions for personal reflection and group discussion will help readers to look for God themselves each day, as they learn to see him in fresh, new ways.

This clear and unequivocal call for personal reform as the basis of authentic renewal in society and in the Church is rooted in several sources. The work of an internationally recognized Biblical scholar (Rudolph Schnackenburg) is woven in with the observations of contemporary social critics as well as behavioral scientists. The author does not spare anyone's feelings in an attempt at a critical and objective analysis of the serious problems of the Catholic Church and "mainstream" religious denominations in America. This book definitively places the onus for reform on the individual Christian striving to follow the Gospel in our materialistic and selfish culture. Because of its roots in Scripture and in the long history of reform in the Church, this book offers the reader a well-founded hope that the first signs of real renewal in the Church are beginning to appear. Includes index.

A Drama of Reform is the story of the new order founded by Fr. Benedict Groeschel and seven other Capuchin friars, and of the first two decades of a reform in religious life begun in 1987. United in the desire to be authentic disciples of Jesus Christ and following in the footsteps of Saint Francis, they want to encourage the army of Christians of all denominations who are discouraged by the erosion of Gospel values in our culture.This inspirational volume combines more than 100 dramatic photos from the interesting and varied aspects of their daily lives. Along with the wonderful photos, members of the two independent communities of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal and Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal provide short essays on their life, which will enable others to experience the earnestness and enthusiasm of this young and fervent group. More than one hundred sisters and friars from a dozen countries have come together with the common desire to follow the Gospel of Jesus Christ after the example of Saint Francis and the tradition of the Capuchin reform.Well-known for their work with the poor and homeless in the South Bronx and other deprived areas, these Franciscans communicate a deep sense of the joy and love of those trying to be totally committed to living the Gospel in an increasingly de-Christianized world.

Fr. Benedict J. Groeschel, C.F.R. Our Lord Jesus Christ warned His will necessarily come and make people fall;but woe to the one who has brought it about - Luke 17:1. The Catholic Church in the United States is facing what may be its greatest challenge. The deeds of a small percentage of priests and the consequent scandal have caused some to question their Faith. ? Priests are discouraged. ? Some are falsely accused. ? Bishops are shaken. ? Many Catholics are humiliated and demoralized. What will happen next? Best-selling author Fr. Benedict Groeschel provides a piercing and forthright examination of the roots of the current troubles, both within and without the Catholic Church. Calling upon the example of St. Francis, the founder of the rule he and his fellow Franciscans observe, Fr. Benedict encourages all of us to rebuild the Church, which is falling into ruin. Pray. Pray for the Church, and pray for the victims, and pray for our enemies. Let us pray that out of this darkness will come a more purified and better Church here in the United States. - Fr. Benedict Groeschel

The devotional life of Christians over the two millennia since Jesus' birth has been one of motion, changing and growing in response to the challenges presented to the Church, the temperaments of newly baptized nations, and controversies about how we can and should relate to God. And yet the core of authentic Christian devotion has not changed--it remains today, as it was in the time of the Church Fathers, the trusting and personal encounter with Christ that is both open and foundational to the life of all Christian believers.In this book the well-known spiritual writer and teacher Fr. Benedict Groeschel, C. F. R., surveys the development and trials of Christian devotion from the days of the martyrs until the twentieth century. Tracking it through the centuries and among sadly divided branches of Christianity, he finds a commonality of experience and even of language that is constantly ignored among Christians themselves. By observing what image of Christ the canvas of common devotion portrays, he hopes we will move not to discredit this image, but to sharpen it and make it more consistent with the New Testament and the ancient Church.Though the devotional life is sometimes brushed off as unimportant in comparison to a theological understanding of Christ, Groeschel warns that such dismissal threatens to make distant, unknown and obscure the Savior who said I am with you always. The answer instead is to draw near to Jesus in devotion and with authentic expressions of that devotion, which themselves help paint the image of Christ found concretely in revelation onto the minds and daily life of the devout.Begun on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, and the result of years of preparation and a whole life of guiding people as priest, public preacher, psychologist and spiritual director, this book will help Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant believers gain not only a comprehensive view of how pious Christians over the centuries have lived out their devotion to God, but the examples and perspective they need to live more devoutly today.