Fr. Groeschel is a popular preacher and TV guest, especially on EWTN, “Sunday Night Live with Fr. Benedict Groeschel.”  After a severe auto accident in January 2004 which brought him to the brink of death, Fr. Groeschel presents his viewers a unique perspective of what it is like to solder on in the face of sorrow, incapacity, and suffering.  He has published a number of books and tapes on spirituality and pastoral counseling, and is a frequent guest on Catholic and secular broadcasts programs internationally.  His latest book is Praying to Our Lord Jesus Christ: Prayers and Meditations Through The Centuries (November 2004).

            Fr. Groeschel founded, along with eight other friars, the community of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal in May 1987.  The Community, which follows the Capuchian Tradition, now has over 80 friars and sisters.  It is dedicated to preaching reform and providing care for the homeless in the South Bronx and Harlem sections of New York City, as well as in London and Honduras.

            Currently, Fr. Groeschel is Director for the Office for Spiritual Development for the Archdiocese of New York, and founded and is on staff of Trinity Retreat – a center for prayer and study for the clergy.  As well, John Cardinal O’Connor appointed him promoter of the cause of Canonization of the Servant of God, Terence Cardinal Cooke, in 1984.  Fr. Groeschel earned his doctorate in psychology from Columbia University in 1971 and is professor of pastoral psychology at St. Joseph’s Seminary of the Archdiocese of New York.  He has taught at Fordham University, Iona College, and Maryknoll Seminary.  He is also chairman of the Good Counsel Homes and the St. Francis House, which provides residence and programs for homeless young mothers and homeless youth.  For 14 years, Fr. Groeschel served as chaplain of the Children’s Village in Dobbs Ferry, New York.