A Friar's Tale: Remembering Fr. Benedict J. Groeschel, CFR

by John Collins

Remembering Fr. Benedict Groeschel, CFR Defender of the outcast, acclaimed teacher and spiritual director, insightful psychologist, and founding member of a thriving religious community, Father Benedict J. Groeschel was not merely a man of uncommon talents but one of extraordinary achievements. Yet at heart he was a simple friar, a humble priest; and his goal in life was very to follow as best he could the path God had chosen for him. For over eighty years-more than fifty of them as a priest-Father Groeschel faithfully walked that path; and, in so doing, he gave hope to abandoned youth, to pregnant women who were homeless and alone, to many of those people whom society so easily and thoughtlessly discards. An electrifying speaker and a writer of real talent, he was responsible for rekindling the love for God in the hearts of many whose faith had turned to ashes. And his legendary devotion to the poor led him to help found the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, with the mission to serve those who had little or nothing. A Friar's Tale is an inspiring, moving, and sometimes humorous biography that invites readers to immerse themselves in the fascinating details of a remarkable life, one animated by faith and devoted to love.

Genres: Catholic, Biography

319 pages, Paperback

Published November 27, 2015

Reviews

[Terry Dillon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything I write I learned from author, John Collins. Father knew a lot of Yiddish and he would probably describe this book as a tad schmaltzy, BUT I LOVE IT for A Friar's Tale is the ultimate Apologia for the scandal that rocked him at the end of his life. This is what happened without spoilers:
AN ELDER, in a state of decline, had childlike trust in the discernment of his audience. Like a child he took the hand of his friend, John Burger, in full confidence of his love and his ability to comprehend based on Groeschel’s lifetime of service and self-giving. Like a child Father Groeschel did not expect to have his mouth washed out with lye and then paraded as a scapegoat through the public inquisition. He shared what he honestly believed was an insight based on something a patient told him, from the anguish of that abuser’s self disgust. He tried to give us a glimpse into the Dead Man Walking that we may obey Christ’s command to love our enemies. What greater enemy do we have than one who could crush and destroy the innocence of a child?
St. Father Groeschel ~~ YES I DARE CALL IN HIM SAINT ~~ we who knew you, comprehend what you meant. Your compassion was too deep, too simple, too profound ~~ quelque chose de Dieu~~ for the spirit of this age, but your Charism for love will be vindicated by time. Thank you for throwing your soul against the sky, to permit God to do with you according to His Will. Thank you for undergoing the crucible for me, that I might have the courage to withstand public scorn when I am misunderstood. Pour nous la turbulence divine à son dernier remous. Amen

[Dolores Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding!!! A must read especially if you are a Franciscan.

[Elizabeth Hudacko · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good book that left me inspired. At times it was slow but if you push through those spots you will find much food for the thought and for the soul.

[Matthew Heidenreich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, a very beautiful picture of the life of a remarkable friar. I didn't know much about Fr. Benedict before coming into this work and was especially moved by his own words as he reflected back upon his life. I was grateful as well for Collins' work to supplement Father's words and to complete the picture of his life.

[eris111 · Rating 4 out of 5]

The mixture of Fr Benedict’s writing and Collins’ writing was nicely done. Humorous and insightful. I especially enjoyed the depth with which Fr Benedict talks about his early life - discerning his vocation and his first assignment as a priest in the children’s village. I felt like I got to know him a little bit and I am excited to read more of his writings

[Sam Honeycutt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being someone who loved Father's and listened to him, I can almost hear him say what is in How Father Told It segments. I miss the wise counsel I got from him on EWTN and his books. His humorous side comes out plainly along with the meat. RIP Father.