Archbishop asks for prayers

Archbishop Raymond Roussin, SM, will be temporarily away from his pastoral duties as a result of health problems.

In a statement released to the priests and faithful of the archdiocese, the archbishop said he has been struggling with clinical depression and is receiving medical treatment. His doctor anticipates a full recovery and has advised him to take a five- to six-month break from his day-to-day duties.

The archbishop’s statement is here.

At press time, Father Mark Hagemoen, vicar general of the archdiocese, said efforts were being made to ensure it will be business as usual around the archdiocese. Some temporary changes and expansion of responsibilities of the archbishop’s vicars will be likely, although the organizational structure of the archdiocese will remain the same, he said.

Father Hagemoen said he hopes everyone in the archdiocese will understand the need to let the archbishop focus on his recovery over the next few months and he asked that in the meantime all business be directed to the appropriate vicars or curia departments.

He also asked for the faithful to keep the archbishop in their prayers and said any expressions of support could be sent to the Chancery, Archdiocese of Vancouver, 150 Robson St., Vancouver, BC V6B 2A7. Well wishers can also send e-mailed letters through the archdiocesan web site: http://www.rcav.org/whatsnew/bishop.htm.

The B.C. Catholic will provide additional coverage in next week’s paper.