Once upon a time, in the Spring of 2024, a lady had occasion to be walking in a cemetery. I got the story secondhand, so I have no idea why she was there. I only know that her presence there that day led to a great blessing, certainly for me, and for many others who have come to love a cat named Benedict.
This rescue story is one of the strangest I ever heard, especially considering the fact that I have been involved in animal rescue missions (including feral cats and wildlife rehabilitation) for many years.
The lady found a tiny kitten, sitting alone, in a trash can on the cemetery grounds. All his siblings were gone (probably the victims of a predator), and no sign of a mother, but there he was, alive and well, waiting.
It appears Benedict has Friends in High Places. What are the chances of such a near-miraculous rescue? But then, God does work in mysterious ways.
As it happened, the lady knew of someone who might give the kitten a home. This person was a Catholic Priest, a cat lover from way back. And so, the Priest took him in, named him Benedict, and the rest is history.
Fortunately for me, this Priest happens to be my pastor. Which means I have the privilege of visiting Benedict on a regular basis.
Benedict lives at a church school affiliated with the parish. He is loved by so many people, including the children at the school. His photo is often posted in the Church Bulletin. He attends church meetings as well, roaming from room to room, and he serves as a sort of guardian, conducting his security checks for the protection of all.
Benedict has not only become a blessing to those who know him, but he has also become a celebrity in the community and even beyond.
One day, I had a doctor's appointment in a nearby town. The subject of cats came up, as the doctor asked if I had a cat (I do, her name is Angel), who might possibly be a source of my allergies. I said no, I am not allergic to cats (Heaven forbid!).
But I mentioned a church function I had attended, in connection with possible food allergies, and he asked me, which church do you attend?
I told him and he then said, Oh, so you must know all about Father M and his cats?
Yes, I know Benedict, I said. He replied, Everyone knows Benedict, he's a celebrity!
I won't name the Church, just to preserve some measure of privacy for Benedict and his human friends.
Benedict has been a great blessing to me. I so enjoy seeing him, bringing him toys and treats, even teaching him to fetch.
And I often think of the amazing rescue. I hate to think that some evil person threw a litter of kittens in a trash can. It made my blood boil when I first heard the story.
But I also know that what was meant for evil, God can turn to good. He can bring blessings where you least expect them.
I pray for Benedict every day. I pray all the blessings of Heaven to rain down on him, just as I do for all my friends, family and brothers and sisters in Christ, known and unknown.
Barbara Hartwell
Friend of Beloved Benedict
March 26, 2026
