Friends in Christ,

 

I wish to thank you for your overwhelming prayerful support and to provide you with an update.

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As some of you know, I was diagnosed with a retinal hemorrhage in 2015 and was told in 2017 that it had cleared up. Upon a routine check-up in 2024 the ophthalmologist informed me that the hemorrhage was active and formed venal occlusions and papillary conjunctivitis with venal protrusions and aneurysms - analogous to a stroke in the eye. It appears that a retinal artery pressing against the ocular veins has for years inhibited blood flow to the eye. Two options were offered: surgery that would lead to partial blindness (blind spot), or patient monitoring of the situation. I have opted for the latter until otherwise advised. The ophthalmologist has asked that I return the first week of May for a check-up, which I expect to repeat every six months.

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I am grateful to Almighty God and to all of you for you prayerful support that have enabled me to return to Italy next week w/o undergoing surgery in order to resume liturgical activities for Holy Week, Easter and Divine Mercy Sunday.

 

In Christ,

Fr. joseph