Gallup chancellor says stories about bishop's fall are tough on staff

Published: 2007-08-10

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The chancellor for the Diocese of Gallup, N.M., said despite speculation that Bishop Donald E. Pelotte might have been assaulted he believes his boss and close friend was hurt falling down the stairs of his house, as the bishop said. Deacon Timoteo Lujan told Catholic News Service in a phone interview Aug. 9 that it has been very distressing to all the employees at the Gallup chancery to have a debate play out in the local and national news about whether Bishop Pelotte was attacked in his home. "There are just 14 of us who work in the pastoral center, including me, the bishop, the janitor and the receptionist," Deacon Lujan said. "We're like a family." Bishop Pelotte, 62, has been hospitalized since July 23 with extensive injuries including head trauma and severe bruises to a shoulder and his arms, legs, hands and knuckles.

Copyright (c) 2007 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 The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in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 .