As we celebrate the Resurrection of Our Lord, I pray that you are experiencing the life of Our Lord to its fullest.
I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for your kindness, concerns and especially your prayers during my recent illness. It was a very long Lent!
As you may be aware, I was attending a workshop in Washington DC when I was stricken with a sepsis infection. Within ten hours I went from a workshop participant to being admitted to the ER at George Washington Hospital. The infection was bad enough that I had to spend three days in the ICU unit and then four more days in a step-down unit before they felt confident enough to send me home to Pittsburgh.
Once I got home, I saw my doctor, who in turn had me see an infectious disease doctor as well as an orthopedic doctor. After about ten days of tests and antibiotic treatments, I was admitted to the hospital for another six days where they performed surgery on my left elbow.
Since that surgery, I have been slowly healing, and I am now able to return to my normal activities. I have resumed celebrating public Masses and spending a few hours a day at my office at the Pastoral Center.
My doctors have told me that because I have kept tight control of my diabetes, I saved my arm and perhaps my life. Although that may be true, I also know that it was your prayers that helped me through this illness and is helping me to continue to recover.
Once again, a sincere thank you for your prayers and concerns. Because of my duties as Auxiliary Bishop, I don’t see you often enough, but I wanted you to know of my appreciation for all that you have done for me. Please be assured of continued prayers for you. May God continue to bless you as you live out your life of faith.