An Update on Pope Shenouda III

The health problems of Pope Shenouda III, the head of the Coptic Church, have been mentioned on this blog in the recent past. The papal residence in Cairo just released a statement on his condition:

His Holiness Pope Shenouda III had a successful spinal surgery at the Cleveland Clinic on Sunday, October 22, 2006. The surgery and immediate recovery have been excellent. His Holiness the Pope is currently receiving routine physical therapy, which is the natural follow-up to such surgery....

Read the whole thing. May God grant Pope Shenouda III speedy healing and many (more) blessed years.

Fr. Alexander Turner, Ora Pro Nobis

The last known photo of Fr. Alexander Turner before being hospitalized.

Fr. Alexander Turner, the first Vicar-General of the Antiochian Western Rite, passed away 35 years ago today. In honor of his translation, Fr. Matthew Thurman has posted an obituary and part of a eulogy by Fr. Paul Schneirla that was printed in The Word magazine. He's also added a chronology, which gives an overview of the major events in Fr. Turner's life.

May Fr. Turner rest in peace. And may he, Dom Denis Chambault, and all the saints intercede for us.