Benedict Joseph Groeschel, C.F.R. (July 23, 1933 - October 3, 2014) was an American Franciscan friar, Catholic priest, retreat master, author, psychologist, activist, and television host. He was born Robert Peter Groeschel in Jersey City, New Jersey, and later became a member of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin (OFM Cap) until 1987, when he co-founded the Community of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal (CFR).Groeschel held a B.A. in religion and a [...]. in psychology. He was known for being a prolific author, preacher, and television host, as well as an activist for the Church's causes. He hosted the television talk program Sunday Night Prime (originally Sunday Night Live) on the Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN) and several serial religious [...] the 1980s, Groeschel became an early supporter and a popular weekly host for EWTN. He was Chairman of St. Francis House and the Good Counsel Homes. He also served on the board of Ave Maria University in Naples, Florida, and was a member of the American Psychological Association.Groeschel was involved with various organizations, including the Padre Pio Shelter, St. Anthony Residence, St. Francis Youth Center, and St. Benedict Joseph Medical Center in Honduras. He was also the Director for the Office for Spiritual Development for the Archdiocese of New York and founded the Trinity Retreat in Larchmont, New York, in 1974.