Bp. Mengeling "cancer free" says spokesman

From LSJ:

Bishop Carl Mengeling progressing in his recovery from surgery to remove his cancerous bladder, Lansing Diocese officials said today.

"He is cancer-free by virtue of the fact that they removed the organ that had the cancer in it," said Michael Dibole, the director of communications for the diocese.

During the surgery, a biopsy of tissue samples from areas around the bladder showed no evidence of cancer, Dibole said.

Thanks for all the prayers!

Update: Bp. Mengeling recovering from surgery

LSJ:

Bishop Carl Mengeling’s bladder was removed late Tuesday and the leader of Greater Lansing’s Catholic community was said to be resting comfortably.

“He was resting as comfortably as possible for a person who had pretty serious surgery,” said Michael Diebold, director of communications for the Catholic Diocese of Lansing.

Mengeling, 76, underwent surgery last Friday during which about half of a large tumor was removed from his bladder. He had been earlier diagnosed with bladder cancer. Tuesday, his entire bladder was removed.

The surgery started sometime after 4:30 p.m. Tuesday. Mengeling is expected to require at least six to eight weeks of recovery. His doctors have asked that he not receive visitors or phone calls.

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.

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.