The Best Way to Help Father Mark Gruber

Pray, Pray, Pray

The curious case of Father Mark Gruber, a well known Catholic Benedictine author, retreat master, and teacher at St. Vincent College in Latrobe PA, has caught the attention of many outside of Latrobe.

I wrote about the lawsuit that he has brought against various parties who have injured him here.  I have also added another post here about the role of a Father, thinking of his spiritual fathers, and those of Father Gordon MacRae as well.

After the latter posting, I received comments from members of a FaceBook group dedicated to Father Mark Gruber's freedom.

In thinking of Father Mark Gruber, and also Father Gordon MacRae, two men who are almost indubitably falsely charged, another priest who was falsely charged comes to mind.  That would be Saint Pio.  An interesting biographical sketch about him exists over at the EWTN site here.

After he had received the stigmata, many people tried to discredit him, and for a number of years, he was kept apart from others and only allowed to say mass by himself.  I wonder if he contemplated suing his abbott, or the local bishop for his false imprisonment.  I wonder if he felt the pain of the false accusations against him.  Did he accept what was done to him as merely God's will for his own sanctification?

I do not know the answers to these questions, nor do I pretend to know what is the right thing in Father Gruber's case, whether he should be suing his abbott and bishop and others for falsely accusing him.  It is not for me to judge.

I do not know if the supporters of Father Mark on Face Book are following the lead of the Holy Spirit in seeking his freedom, and do not wish to pass judgement on them or their efforts.

The only thing I do know is that this is a serious situation, as the one was for Padre Pio, and also is for Father Gordon MacRae, and serious situations require prayer for wisdom and understanding.  That is what I primarily offer for those involved in both of these situations.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, I trust in your love for both of these priests, and all those of their spiritual families.  Guide their hearts and minds as they seek to do your will relative to our brothers.  Sacred Heart of Jesus, fill all concerned with your blood, that Your Will and Your Will alone be accomplished.