Benedict J. Groeschel, C.F.R., co-founder of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, died Oct. 3 at St. Joseph’s Home for the Elderly in Totowa, New Jersey, after a long illness. He was 81.

A prolific author, Groeschel was in the process of writing a memoir, The Life of a Struggling Soul, to be published by Our Sunday Visitor. His books include From Scandal to Hope (on the clergy sex-abuse scandal, Our Sunday Visitor); Praying Constantly (Our Sunday Visitor) and Quiet Moments (Servant Books).

“The Catholic Church and the Franciscan family lost a giant today,” the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal said in a statement. “This moment is one that finds the community … with mixed emotions, as we are deeply saddened by the loss of Father Benedict but also relieved that God has set him free from the physical and mental suffering he has experienced over the past decade.”

Groeschel received wide public attention through his preaching engagements, writing and television appearances. He was the author of over 30 books and recorded more than 100 audio and video series. He published articles in several Catholic magazines on a monthly basis and posted a weekly meditation on the Oratory of Divine Love website. He founded the Trinity Retreat, a center for prayer and study for clergy, and the St. Francis House in Brooklyn, New York, for older adolescents. In 1985, he and Chris Bell founded Good Counsel Homes for young pregnant women in need. He taught at Fordham University, Iona College and Maryknoll and Dunwoodie seminaries.

A wake is planned for Oct. 8 at St. Adalbert’s Church in the Bronx, with another wake to be held Oct. 9, followed by an evening vigil, at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark, New Jersey. A funeral mass will be celebrated for Groeschel on Oct. 10 at Newark’s cathedral basilica with Auxiliary Bishop John O'Hara of the New York Archdiocese the main celebrant. Father Andrew Apostoli, C.F.R., one of the original founding members of the community and a friend of Groeschel, will be the homilist. The burial will be private at Most Blessed Sacrament Friary in Newark.

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