Heart to Heart: Issue #594
MONDAY MORNING OF LAST WEEK, the Chancery Office staff were excited to welcome Bishop Joseph Dabrowski to the Diocese of Hamilton for a week of meetings and planning. And I was too!
However, it was apparent to me that I was not communicating well. And so, I began to check with Monsignor Murray Kroetsch, and he confirmed for me that there was a problem. He thought that I should go to the hospital immediately, and I did too. It was concerning to me.
At the hospital, various tests confirmed that there was a problem with my speech as a result of a stroke. The doctors have shared that improving my speech will take time and the assistance of speech therapy. I am very grateful that this seems to be the only effect of the stroke. Having returned home from St. Joseph’s Hospital earlier in the week, I have now begun treatment for the effects of the stroke at the Regional Rehabilitation Centre.
I regret that I could not be with Bishop Dabrowski last week, but certainly am grateful that Bishop Lobsinger, Monsignor Kroetsch, Jim Long, Francis Doyle, and Fr. David Wynen have warmly welcomed him. Bishop Dabrowski celebrated Mass for our entire Chancery Staff on Monday which was followed by lunch and conversation in McNally Hall. He also had the opportunity to meet both of our emeriti bishops, Bishop Tonnos and Bishop Ustrzycki. He has seen the best of us!
BISHOP DABROWSKI met last Thursday with the planning committee for his Installation on February 2nd at the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King. Guest lists were reviewed; banquet arrangements were confirmed, and details regarding the liturgical celebration were discussed. I have been advised that it was a very good meeting and everything will be ready for this historic event.
Bishop Dabrowski also had the opportunity to see Ardree, the beautiful Bishop’s Residence. In the meantime, I was foundering in the hospital! While I wished I was present with him, last week was not about me… it was about welcoming Bishop Dabrowski which I know we have done well. We look forward to welcoming him as the tenth Bishop of Hamilton in early February – a moment of great joy in the life of the Diocese!
TAKE YOUR CHILD TO WORK DAY earlier this month was an occasion for some of our chancery staff to introduce their children to the work their parents do for the Diocese. We welcomed Husna, daughter of Qais Rasulee, Coordinator of our Refugee Office, and Dakota, daughter of Sarah Lintott, Administrative Assistant in our Family Ministry Office. Last week, we welcomed Maggie Doyle, who spend some time with her father, Francis Doyle, Vice-Chancellor for Temporal Affairs.
MR. LARRY LOBSINGER, father of Auxiliary Bishop Wayne Lobsinger, died yesterday. Funeral arrangements are pending. A notice will be sent shortly. We offer our prayers for the repose of the soul of Mr. Lobsinger, and for the consolation of Bishop Lobsinger and his family.
Our Lady of the Annunciation, Pray for us!
Ex corde, +Douglas, OMI