Bishop Pelotte released from hospital, to recuperate in Florida

Published: 2007-08-29

GALLUP, N.M. (CNS) -- Bishop Donald E. Pelotte of Gallup has been released from a Houston hospital that specializes in traumatic brain injuries and is continuing his recuperation in Florida, said a diocesan official. Deacon Timoteo Lujan, chancellor of the Gallup Diocese, said the bishop was discharged from Memorial Hermann/The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research in Houston during the weekend of Aug. 25-26 but would not disclose where he is recuperating in Florida. He cited the need for the bishop to be able to recover in private from the wounds he sustained in a fall at his residence during the weekend of July 21-22. As for his future as bishop of Gallup, Deacon Lujan said it is still too early in the complex process to decide when, or if, the bishop will return. According to an Aug. 27 news release, the diocesan college of consultors met Aug. 23 to discuss the care of the bishop and the needs of the diocese in his absence. 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. The bishop told Deacon Lujan he had fallen down the stairs.

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