Archbishop Eugene A. Marino, SSJ, has begun a structured program of psychological and spiritual renewal at a facility in the Midwest after a six-week stay at St. Vincent's Hospital in Westchester County, NY.

This news was shared with friends and well-wishers in the archdiocese in a letter from his five sisters and brother.

Several family members, the letter relates, were able to visit Archbishop Marino at St. Vincent's after he signed himself in as a patient Aug. 9, "because of acute anxiety." During his six-week stay several family members visited him extensively and were able to witness "a tremendous improvement in his physical and emotional condition. We are happy to share this news with you."

The letter was sent to the archdioceses of Atlanta, Baltimore, New York and Washington, and the diocese of Biloxi, MS, in response to the "outpouring of affections, concern and prayers for each of us from people all across the U.S."

The letter goes on to say: "Since our brother's resignation in July and the subsequent revelations and allegations carried widely in the public media, hundreds of messages, letters cards telegrams and phone calls have come to him and to us from the many cardinals, bishops, priests, nuns, lay people, friends and even total strangers. The overwhelming majority of these messages have expressed sympathetic understanding, compassion and the promise of prayers for our brother and us."

"This outreach, support and encouragement is much more than we could have ever anticipated. While we have tried to respond to all of these expressions of support and concern, it simply has not been possible to answer every individual communication. We are therefore using this letter to tell how grateful we are to all of you."

Concluding paragraphs say: "It is not our purpose here to explain or discuss the events in Atlanta. Our sole purpose here is to acknowledge how happy it makes us to know that, despite whatever has happened, there are so many of you who love and hold our brother in such high esteem."

"Therefore, if you do not receive a personal response from one of us, please know that we deeply appreciate your kind expressions, as we continue to pray for you and all your loved ones."

Signing the letter were: Juanita Marino Howell, Lillia Marino Patterson, Sister Eileen Marino, OSP, Clare Marino Rhodeman, Katherine Marino Cain and Joaquin M. Marino.