You’ve come a very long way since Dec. 29. Could you describe what has been involved in your recuperation and rehabilitation?

Before and after my return home, the primary focus of attention has been on rehabilitation therapy at St. Lawrence Rehabilitation Center in Lawrenceville, a place where miracles happen for people.  Three times a week, for anywhere from one to three hours, therapists worked with me, teaching me to walk again with an artificial left leg.  The staff there is outstanding. I recommend the place to anyone in need of physical therapy. 

What has been the most difficult aspect of your recovery?

God is good.  I have been fortunate and very blessed at this time in my life.  Difficult?  That depends on your perspective.  I was determined to walk again as soon as possible and I simply didn’t think about things as difficult. 

From the point of view of personality – pride, really – I found my total dependence on others a lesson in humility.  I had to learn to slow down and pull back a bit, which is not my nature.  I missed administering Confirmation, preaching in churches and greeting parishioners more than anything else so that was a real sacrifice my situation imposed. 

I guess one situation during this time that I found “difficult” was my Mother’s moving into a nursing home without my being able to help.  My brother Dan has been heroic in his care for Mom before and throughout this process and my brother Art has been so attentive.  What great brothers to have!  Again, the staff of Morris Hall at St. Lawrence Rehabilitation Center have been extraordinarily helpful at a tough time for us.   

 Who are some of the people who helped you along the way?

 Too many to mention by name!  I would be afraid I’d forget someone.  Robert Wood Johnson Hospital in Hamilton and its medical and nursing staff were wonderful.  St. Lawrence Rehabilitation Center and its doctors, nurses, inpatient and outpatient therapists could not have been more caring and professional.  My brothers called and visited me regularly, giving me great support.  The staff at the Chancery has been incredible, although they joke that my absence from the building does not prevent me from putting in a full day (and keeping them busy!). 

The priests who encouraged me and, especially the vicars who filled in for me at parish Sacraments and events.  The parishioners, especially parents, who were very understanding that I could not be present with them for special occasions.  The kids in our Catholic schools and religious education programs who sent thousands of cards and messages.  Donovan Catholic High School in Toms River sent me a get well video – “Scenes from your Sheep” – each week.

So many others who sent prayers and good wishes.  I couldn’t possibly answer them all.  And Jason Parzynski, my secretary, who anticipated my every need at home and at work.  Every day, I praise and thank God for all these people who showed such love and attention.     

You have hit the ground running with a very ambitious Holy Week schedule. How are you feeling, overall, and how are you doing with your prosthetic foot? 

 I feel better than I have in years.  I want to reach out to all those with disabilities and to all those suffering with any illness.  Place your faith and trust in God.  Hand yourself over to his ever-present love and care. 

The Holy Scriptures remind us “nothing is impossible with God.”  Don’t give up and don’t give in to discouragement of self-pity – these are really the only “terminal diseases” that can hold you back.  “Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8: 38-39).”  Believe that with all your heart and mind and soul.

What are your expectations in terms of your physical status as you return to your public ministry and look ahead to the future? 

I will return to full, active, public ministry as bishop, with God’s grace.  I do not intend to focus more attention on my own circumstances but, rather, to be there for the priests and people of this local Church, “ministrare non ministrari,” “to serve and not to be served.”