22. Rev. Benedict J. Groeschel, CFR - 2004 Pro Fidelitate et Virtute Award Recipient

Started in 1986, the Pro Fidelitate et Virtue Award is conferred each year at the Institute on Religious Life’s National Meeting to someone who has been outstanding in the support and promotion of authentic religious life. Today's episode is honoring our 2004 award recipient, Rev. Benedict J. Groeschel, CFR. Fr. Groeschel was given the religious name of Benedict Joseph, and was ordained a priest in 1959. Fr. Goeschel was involved in the civil rights movement. He stood up for the unborn, and was once arrested while praying outside an abortion mill. He taught at various colleges and gave numerous retreats. One retreat was given to Mother Teresa and her Missionaries of Charity in India, after which he helped her establish her order in New York. In 1987, Fr. Groeschel and seven fellow Capuchins founded the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal in New York, whose mission includes living a radically poor life, about 3 hours of prayer per day, serving the poor, and evangelization. Today, there are 115 Franciscan Friars of the Renewal. Today, we will be listening to a talk he gave at our 2010 National Meeting. Thank you and we hope you enjoy!