Fr Benedict Groeschel, a founder of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, has died aged 81. He died on Friday, October 3, the vigil of the feast of St Francis of Assisi. Fr Groeschel helped to found the Community of Franciscan Friars of the Renewal (CFR) with other Capuchin Friars in New York City in 1987. The community, based in the Bronx, quickly became known for its service of the poor, innovative evangelisation methods, and distinctive grey habits and beards. A professor of pastoral psychology, he was a renowned spiritual writer and became famous internationally through his appearances on the Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN). On January 11 2004, Fr Groeschel almost died after he was hit by a car. His recovery was considered by some to be miraculous. He told the New York Times: "They said I would never live. I lived. They said I would never think. I think. They said I would never walk. I walked. They said I would never dance, but I never danced anyway."