Rest in Peace, Father

Publisher's Note

All of us at the Register and EWTN were saddened to learn of the Oct. 3 passing of Franciscan Father Benedict Groeschel. Our page-one story reflects the extraordinary apostle that he was.

He played an enormous role in the work of EWTN, by hosting numerous programs and as a frequent guest on the network for nearly three decades. Like Mother Angelica herself, Father Benedict was an iconic presence on EWTN.

His distinctive gray beard, Jersey City, N.J., accent and Franciscan habit were known to viewers around the world, and he had a profound impact on the lives of countless individuals who knew him through his television and radio presence.

In many of the most difficult days in the history of EWTN, Father Benedict was a strong and vocal supporter of Mother Angelica. The network is what it is today, in part, because of the encouragement and commitment of Father Benedict.

During one of his many talks, Father Benedict was fond of asking us to pray for him “to get to purgatory.” We pray now that he has achieved his final goal of life everlasting with the Father. May this good and faithful servant rest in peace.

God bless you!