Bishop Mengeling diagnosed with bladder cancer

From the Jackson Citizen Patriot.

After surgery last Thursday that removed half his bladder [story]:

Bishop Carl F. Mengeling of the Lansing Catholic Diocese has been diagnosed with bladder cancer.

He will have surgery Tuesday afternoon in a Lansing hospital to remove his bladder, followed by six to eight weeks of recuperation and recovery.

"We know people have his best interests at heart, and cards and letters gratefully received," said Michael D. Diebold, director of communications for the diocese, a 10-county area that includes Jackson.

Catholics were asked to pray for Mengeling, 76, at all weekend Masses.

Please continue to keep Bishop Mengeling and the diocese of Lansing in your prayers.

Though I don't have personal experience in these matters, it would seem to me that with such a diagnosis and an extended time period being allotted for recovery, the appointment of Bp. Mengeling's successor would be accelerated, especially since he is already well past his retirement date.

Today, the normal day for new bishop appointments in the United States, the VIS will not be transmitted since the feast of St. Joseph the worker is a holiday in the Vatican. I highly doubt, however, that a new appointment would be announced so quickly, judging by how these things normally go.

I guess that means we'll have more time to offer up prayers.

Update: Also, I've been reminded that Lansing has a candidate for priesthood and a candidate for the permanent diaconate up for ordinations within the next couple months, and as it is, Bp. Mengeling will not be able to perform either. The LSJ tells us that he is having surgery today. You may send him cards or letters at: 300 W. Ottawa St., Lansing, MI 48933.