Carl Mengeling, Bishop of Lansing, undergoes emergency surgery

Heard through the grapevine today, but confirmed in the Lansing State Journal:

Bishop Carl Mengeling was hospitalized Thursday for bladder surgery.

The 76-year-old leader of the 10-county, 250,000-member Catholic Diocese of Lansing has canceled public appearances for the next two months or so, said Michael Diebold, director of communications for the diocese.

Diebold said surgeons were able to remove about half of a large tumor they found on Mengeling's bladder. Further tests are scheduled for next week.

Mengeling's doctors have asked that he not receive visitors or phone calls. People may send him cards or letters to: 300 W. Ottawa St., Lansing MI 48933.

Prayers are requested, as well, of course. Bishop Mengeling is my Ordinary. He is currently serving past the age of retirement, and this medical complication might accelerate the appointment of a successor. He's been very public about the fact that he feels he is too old to continue serving the diocese.

Prayers also, in that case, for the next bishop of Lansing.