This past Friday, on April 1st, I received some terrible news. I learned that a priest from my Dad's parish, Saint Elizabeth Seton in Carmel, was involved in a very bad car accident. The news reports confirmed what I had learned. Fr. Mel was badly injured and others were involved as well. Please pray for them. This news was very difficult for me to take. Fr. Mel has been so supportive of my Dad and I over the years. I have been very thankful to visit Fr. Mel at the hospital a few times since the accident. On April 6th, I sat next to his bed and prayed the Holy Rosary for him and for this difficult situation.
I would ask you to please join me in praying for Father Mel Bennett and the other people involved. Especially, dear Lord, I pray for the family who has lost a loved one. "Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the Mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen." If you are able, please join me in offering some rosaries. God bless you... Father Joshua
My husband and I were devastated when we heard the news of Fr. Bennett. He married us and baptized our daughter. He really is a unique priest with amazing insight and wisdom. My husband even though not catholic became close to Father which was quite remarkable despite his upbringing. He even contacted Fr. Bennett from time to time to ask for advice on different situations. I remember in our preparations for marriage, Fr. Bennett gave us some very good advice, "Never tell your problems to people that can't help." I guess he thought that brings needless worry upon the person who can't help. He truly is a gem and our prayers are being sent his way. Is there a status update on him? Can he speak? My parents, husband and I all feel very close to him and we hope he can recover from this devastating accident.
ReplyDeleteChristina (DeSantis) Schermerhorn and Stan Schermerhorn P.S. you and I went to high school together as you probably remember.
Father Melvin is a second cousin to me and a cousin to my father Michael Bower. My parents were the first couple that Father Melvin officiated over on their wedding after he was newley ordained a preist. Our family is totally devstated over this. Our prayers go out to both families. We live in NWI, and I hope to make it to the hospital. Thank you for all the prayers and support. God Bless you Father Janko.
ReplyDeleteI visited Fr. Mel in the hospital yesterday and hope to get back there tomorrow (Friday). He was stable. He had a better day yesterday then the day before. He cannot currently talk, but he opens his eyes when you hold his hand and let him know you are there. Please continue to pray. Your comments speak to the fact that he is such a wonderful gift to so many people. Fr. Mel... we love you and will continue to pray for you. :) Fr. Joshua
ReplyDelete(Also, please become a follower of mine. I am trying to get a few more people connected to this blog. Thanks and God bless!)
My father talked to Father Mel's brother John on the phone yesterday. He also said that Father Mel was having a better day. Thank you Father Janko for watching over our beloved family member. I did subscribe to the blog. I think I done it the right way. Also, I sent you a personal message on Fb. I showed my father this blog as well. I will show this to him when he gets home today. I was hoping to get down there myself over the weekend but with the kids' activities I don't know if it will be possible. Maybe next Tuesday I can try and go down.
ReplyDeleteI just met Fr. Mel on the cruise and found him to be a wonderful priest. His brother, John, is a great guy as well. Am so saddened to hear of his accident. I wish I knew how to contact the others who were on our trip so they could join me in prayer for his recovery. My prayers are with him and his family.
ReplyDeleteThank you Connie for the well wishes. Father Janko, I finally have a pic uploaded and so who you could see who I was and so you could associate a face with Father Mel's cousin.
ReplyDeleteHow is Fr. Mel doing? Please give a update.
ReplyDeleteYes, please update us. My heart is doubly breaking because I have a child with insulin dependant diabetes and if I understand correctly, I believe his health played a significant roll in this accident. As I watch my little girl suffer with uncontrolable blood sugars, my heart breaks to think of all that went into this accident.
ReplyDeleteBecky
Fr. Joshua -
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you were able to visit him. I've been so worried. His presence is greatly missed at St. Seton.
Father Melvin Bennett passed away this evening around 6:20 p.m.
ReplyDeleteI just heard the news. We will miss his quick wit, words of great wisdom and smile at our church! God bless all invloved in this accident. So very sad~
ReplyDeleteFr. Bennett has been in our lives for over 40 years - he used to go on vacations with us in the summers when I was growing up - was there for all of my sacraments including marrying my husband and I almost 20 years ago. He married each of my sisters, and buried my parents and my grandparents. He was a dear friend of my dad -he truly was a part of our family - and we are devastated to know that he is gone. I can still hear his contagious laugh when I think of him. I am very sad that distance kept me from seeing him while he was in the hospital, however he knew we were calling and I was able to talk to his brother, Tom and sister-in-law, Pat. He loved his Parish in Carmel - and lived a wonderful life! - we love you so very much Fr. Mel - you will be missed by so many!
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