Fr. Benedict J. Groeschel, C.F.R., my first cousin
Fr. Benedict J. Groeschel, CFR, was first my first cousin, Peter. His father was my uncle Eddie, brother of my uncle Gus and of my father, Paul. Peter was the oldest of our generation, and I was second youngest. So, no, he was not my great uncle - just the greatest blessing of a cousin! As he became a priest when I was just seven months old, I always called him Fr. Benedict and referred to him in familial company as "Father B".
Growing up in Lancaster, PA with my Mom, I can still hear the way he called her "Aunt Betty" with his Jersey accent. We always knew that Fr. Peter was praying for us, and we prayed for him. My mother made sure we never missed the family reunion he held every summer for both sides of his family. Even while touring for years in theater and opera, I missed only one reunion in 35 years. As the professional singer in the family, and a cantor in the Church, I was asked to plan the music for the end-of-reunion-day Mass that he'd celebrate in the rose garden overlooking the Long Island Sound at Trinity Retreat in Larchmont. Often a capella, there was always an Ave or Panis. As years went my, my nieces and nephews would add their harmonies and brothers and priests of the Franciscan Friars of Renewal would join in to lead us in song. Over many years, there were so many times Fr. Benedict made sure he could attend and celebrate the sacraments of our large and extended family. What a special blessing!
In the seventeen years NYC was my home base as a performer, I would attend Fr. Benedict's series of talks whenever possible. I would catch a few filial moments with him between the talk and Mass, and lovingly oblige when he asked me to sing his favorite song at Communion, "Panis Angelicus." He even attended some of my performances, sitting in the front row in Central Park when I played Violetta in La Traviata with the New York Grand Opera - being there for my Carnegie Hall debut in Rutter's Gloria and Requiem, and graciously greeting the many who lined up to speak to him during the intermission of my program Let the Heavens Resound! at St. Patrick Cathedral in Harrisburg, PA. He always said that he was sure that someday someone would ask him if he were related to me. Such encouragement! He also told me to keep the Groeschel name as I continued working. So, if that is what prompted you to be reading this, you can know that it was his doing and, thereby, his endorsement! Praise God, I was able to sing for my cousin once more during Communion at his funeral; again his favorite, the Panis Angelicus.
During difficult times, I could always count on getting through to Fr. B between 8:30 and 9:30am, and receiving the benefit of his counsel and prayers. Knowing that he is with the saints, I am assured of his prayers today, and am grateful.
I share the following pictures to speak a thousand words of love about this holy man who blessed my life in so many ways, and still does!