Bishop Weigand curtails work schedule as he waits for liver surgery

Published: 2004-11-15

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (CNS) -- Bishop William K. Weigand of Sacramento has announced he is curtailing his normal work schedule because of ongoing health problems from the liver disease he has had for nearly 24 years. The bishop, who is 67, suffers from primary sclerosing cholangitis, an uncommon progressive liver disease that causes scarring near the liver that affects that organ's function. He was diagnosed with the disease in February 1981. In a Nov. 8 letter to diocesan leaders, the bishop said he has been hospitalized twice since mid-October because of complications from the liver ailment. The letter was also read by clergy to parishioners throughout the diocese at Masses on the weekend of Nov. 13-14. "My doctors have informed me that my condition has reached the point where active steps toward a liver transplant now need to be taken," wrote Bishop Weigand, who has headed the diocese for nearly 11 years.

Copyright (c) 2004 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .