UPDATE 7 Dec 2018:
Many people have sent notes asking how things are going. I can give this report.
First, I was able to get up and, with some assistance, get to church last night for the Requiem for Bp. Morlino. I gave the sermon at the end. I managed with the aid of a cane, rather than crutches and I didn’t need the wheelchair to get myself down the loooong hallway to the entrance where I live. Pain killers help.
My chest is still pretty sore. Coughing, sneezing are not moments I relish. My right shoulder isn’t cooperating very much. I suspect I’ll have to have some work done there. There are lots of bruises, which are rather spectacular, as blunt force trauma tends to produce. Here’s a shot of part of my right arm. The blue isn’t quite like the forbidden liturgical blue improperly used by some during Advent. Nor is is like the cerulean that can be used in Marian vestments. It has a greenish cast, which renders it unliturgical indeed. Anyway, they are coming out all over. I suppose it’ll take a while to reabsorb it all. My aches and pains are prime opportunities to offer up some petitions. I have BIG ONE I’m working on, the successor in Madison. Pray with me for that one, please.
Anyway, today I should reach out and ask for some help with a few tasks. I don’t ask for help easily, I must admit, hence, another way to do penance.
The jury is still out on my NYC trip on Monday.
_____ Originally Published on: Dec 5, 2018
I originally posted a request for prayers after my injuries in Paris. Here’s an update.
First, I’m doing better. I still have a lot of pain, especially around my chest. My foot doesn’t hurt as much. We will keep an eye on the bones that where broken with x-rays. My shoulder is a problem. I have a rotator cuff thing, having landed on the pavement on that shoulder. Pain killers are helping.
Yesterday, for Bishop Morlino’s funeral, I was able to get around with crutches, whereas the night before I needed a wheelchair. It took a lot out of me, however.
I am suppose to travel to NYC next week! My good friend Fr. Murray is being honored, and I want to be there. HERE The doctor said that, if I feel up to it, he didn’t see a reason why I couldn’t go, which left me flabbergasted. I’ll wait for a few days before I make my decision. It would be a heck of a lot slower time in NYC than I’m used, that’s for sure!
I won’t let this thing beat me, but I also have to be prudent.
Lastly, but most importantly, I am so very grateful to those of you who pitched in to help me upgrade my seat on the plane returning from Paris. It made what was a serious situation quite a bit less painful. I hope I was able to identify everyone who sent donations:
MS, MH, RR, AM, JL, CF, TMcN, KB, WG, DD, WM, RC, EBR, CR, WH, CHEJr, ML, PAC, SW, MW, PJMcD, PSW, MF, JSP, DC, KC, JD, CB, DD, MTG, JD, JWM, JE, DH, KC, PL, MG, RP, PC, JW, DH, KC, PL, RP, CW, SB, CD, CB, JH, CP, TL, MH, St JA, AR, BS, SF, DA, TP, DM, A-MK, DC, J-AF, ER, SP, MRS, AW, LL, DRFB, RC, AL, AKP, MH, TN.COM, WH, KZ, MJC, RC, JR, DL, BMcM, PJPMV, JC, CM, MW, KM, RC, RB, MGA, JL, DB, MV, TG, DH, WMcC, CH, MF, CT, RJ, MA, RO, DR, VC, MEBR, RS, TA, MH, MK, JF
You were material and spiritual consolation to me in a time of real trial.
I’ll say Mass soon for your intention soon. Meanwhile, I do not forget you in my daily prayers.
I’ve suffered life-threatening injuring in my life. God allowed me to bounce back, like a Phoenix. I am praying for you. You will bounce back stronger than ever. The world needs you.
Don’t go Father! Stay home and heal. The good of souls may be best served in that way. Priests need to take care of themselves appropriately. Fr Murray will understand that you got hit by a motorcycle.
My boss and my sister in law both had rotator cuff injuries a year or two back (in fact my boss damaged each rotator cuff separately). It is painful and you need to make sure you give it the chance to really heal; are you sure crutches are ok with that recent an injury? Please do not exacerbate it.
I am off to search for the patron saint of shoulders and shoulder injuries. My prayers are with you.
Frozen peas make great ice packs….
If you had a full body icepack, would it be a peacoat?
I already said it: you need to rest!—to give your body the resources to heal!
Healing is a very complex process….biochemical spoken.
the less rest you give, the slower will be the recovery.
And dont forget the Arnica globuli–very effective.
Wishes and prayers for the fastest complete healing, Fr.Z!
Your post reminds me of when I was the victim of a hit and run accident about 17 years ago. I was run off the road and I was not able to guide my Jeep past a utility pole. My chest smashed into the steering wheel during the very sudden stop. Nothing broken, but I was quite sore for weeks. A few weeks later, I developed a nasty case of bronchitis. I distinctly remember telling my wife that each cough and sneeze were a “unique adventure in pain”.
A wee bit of Polish Jesynowka brandy helped with sleep each evening. As my dear grandfather used to say, “It’s good for what ails you.”
We would be pleased to add your name to our weekend prayers if you approve. It would be in the bidding prayers and in the parish bulletin for three weeks. Whatever you wish.
First of all…Ow!
Secondly, You’re in good company. Remember when Father Rochelle was hit by a car? I seem to recall hearing he definitively felt he was pushed by Satan. And before the advent of motorized vehicles, Satan was pulling these same old nasty tricks when he pushed Padre Pio, causing him to fall and receive a nasty gash on his forehead, if I remember correctly. And look how Saint Paul suffered for the spreading of the Gospel!
Finally, it’s no coincidence that good Bishop Morlino passes and the enemy, who is always gunning for priests, is suddenly successful in harming Father Z. Noooop. NOT a coincidence.
I think Father Z really needs extra prayer coverage, especially from other priests, bishops, cardinals…popes….
Keep up the good work, Father! You must be doing something really right!
We will continue to pray for your speedy and full recovery and a quick appointment of a holy new bishop.
*Father Groeschel