More on Fr. Benedict Groeschel -- What a Blessing!

A friend sent me the following email which I pass on because I found it so interesting and inspirational. So many holy men and women have died on days and at times that have such incredible links to special events in their lives. So it seems to be with Fr. Benedict. What a gift!

Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Father Benedict Joseph Groeschel, a famous Franciscan preacher, died following the praying of the 'Transitus' ritual last night. For those of you unaware of this, the Transitus ritual is a significant devotion familiar to all Franciscans. Each year on the evening of Oct 3 they gather to ritually remember the holy passing (or 'transition') of their Founder, St. Francis of Assisi, from this life to the next. St. Francis of Assisi actually died on the evening of Oct 3, 1226. I'd say that it is a rather remarkable instance of Divine Providence that Fr. Groeschel's passing took place at the exact date and time of the passing of his spiritual Father Francis. The Universal Church celebrates St. Francis of Assisi's Feast Day on Oct 4, which is today. Father Benedict always had a great sense of the dramatic. It was no different in his death. Requiescat In Pace Fr. Benedict. St Francis of Assisi, pray for us !

(Hat tip to Sweat!)