Knoxville, Tenn., Aug 17, 2009 / 08:42 am
Catholics in the Diocese of Knoxville, Tennessee are praying for their new bishop after he suffered a mild heart attack while on a trip this past weekend.
According to Deacon Sean Smith, chancellor of the Diocese of Knoxville, Bishop Richard F. Stika, was paying a visit to a friend who is sick in Florida. Things took a turn for the worse when the bishop "became ill with severe flu-like symptoms, which precipitated a diabetic crisis," Smith said.
The "diabetic crisis" caused Bishop Stika to suffer a mild heart attack, but after doctors conducted a thorough examination, they found his heart to be "in great shape."
"He had a very good night and is stable and responding well to his treatment. He is looking forward to returning home to Knoxville," said Deacon Smith in a statement from the Diocese of Knoxville.