I learned that recently; he’s our Pastor, and I didn’t know until a few months ago when he joined “Facebook”! He’s still a somewhat young priest, only about mid-to-late 30s, I think. He’s also quite a conservative one! He had led a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, taking a group of local people. I didn’t know he had already arrived back in town! One of the things that was particularly touching, was that he had contacted their guide, who lives in Nazareth. The guy offered to have a mass said for the victim/his family/and the parish in the basilica there!
Oh, I’m afraid I addressed the wrong person! If you know Fr. Erik and some of the people involved, then you know as well as I do about our Pastor! (I’m embarrassed) :-)
Further news: The victim’s wife is in good spirits and has been overwhelmed by all the love and support they are receiving. Fr. Erik also mentioned on his facebook that he had been by to see the victim not too long ago, and the victim was able to communicate. [Though I suspect by some form other than speaking as that’s where he was hit.] Everyone seems optimistic. I’m sure it will be a long row to hoe still for an injury like that but keep in mind his wife until just recently worked as a hospital nurse and has had many years of experience with such shattering injuries. So he will have the best possible nursing care when he goes home. The whole community has been very supportive. And the victim’s wife would like to thank everyone for their prayers and support, and please keep Jim in your prayers as well as his family and all those who are supporting them.