Father Andrew Greeley In Critical Condition

[cappie]

The Rev. Andrew Greeley, the best-selling novelist and Chicago Sun-Times columnist, fractured his skull in a freak fall in Rosemont Friday and is listed in critical condition at a suburban hospital, his family and friends said this afternoon.

The outspoken priest had just lectured before a religious conference in Rosemont, and had taken a taxi to the nearby River Road Blue Line L stop.

As [Andrew] Greeley, 80, exited the taxi, his jacket snagged in the door and he fell down and hit his head around3:30 p.m. Friday, according to Rosemont police and friends.

“Right now he’s critical but stable, very stable,” his niece, Laura Durkin said. “Doctors are hopeful and pleased with his progress from last night to today. They’re pleased with his current condition.”

Greeley, a Chicago-born Catholic priest, has written more than 50 novels, including best sellers that offer tales of international intrigue. His Sun-Times columns tackle the issues of the day, including his unique take on religion and politics.

He was lecturing Friday at a convention of the Religious Education Association, which is being held at a hotel near O’Hare Airport, Durkin said.

In his fall, Greeley fractured his skull and the left orbital bone near his eye, his friend and attorney Terry Goggin said.

He suffered bleeding on the brain, and doctors installed a monitor in his skull to gauge pressure on his brain, Goggin said. C-T scans are also being used to monitor his injuries.

Greeley was transferred from the emergency room at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge to the surgical intensive care unit, Goggin said.

Other than the implantation of the pressure monitor, he has not had surgery, Goggin said.

Although swollen and bruised, Goggin said his color looked good and he was resting Saturday.

“He looked good this morning,” Goggin said. “He was resting comfortably.

“You know, he’s a fighter and a tough guy. He was restless last night. He’s got everything they want in a patient. All the signs are very positive.”

Goggin praised the doctors and nurses at Lutheran General, saying “they’ve been just wonderful.”

Topic of Greeley's latest Sun-Times column: [url="http://www.suntimes.com/news/greeley/1259897,CST-EDT-greel05.article"]http://www.suntimes.com/news/greeley/12598...greel05.article[/url]

[Chiara_]

[Ash Wednesday]

Yikes. How freaky. Prayers for him.

[Vincent Vega]

Poor man. On top of his injury, they send him to a Lutheran hosptial...

Seriously though, prayers for the good reverend.

[Seven77]

prayers!

[Lounge Daddy]

Prayers

[Justin86]

[quote name='USAirwaysIHS' post='1698254' date='Nov 10 2008, 03:45 AM']Poor man. On top of his injury, they send him to a Lutheran hosptial...[/quote]
Given the ecumenical(to put it kindly) nature of Fr. Greeley, he would probably prefer that.

In either case, I pray that he returns to unity with Rome before I pray for his mortal life.

[IcePrincessKRS]

[quote name='Justin86' post='1701028' date='Nov 14 2008, 02:19 AM']Given the ecumenical(to put it kindly) nature of Fr. Greeley, he would probably prefer that.

In either case, I pray that he returns to unity with Rome before I pray for his mortal life.[/quote]

I was thinking similar... I don't wish him ill by any means, but I hope he gets his act together. Maybe the crack on the skull will serve as a wake-up call... we can hope, right?

[cmotherofpirl]

[quote name='Justin86' post='1701028' date='Nov 14 2008, 02:19 AM']Given the ecumenical(to put it kindly) nature of Fr. Greeley, he would probably prefer that.

In either case, I pray that he returns to unity with Rome before I pray for his mortal life.[/quote]
Amen!

[BG45]

[quote name='Justin86' post='1701028' date='Nov 14 2008, 02:19 AM']Given the ecumenical(to put it kindly) nature of Fr. Greeley, he would probably prefer that.

In either case, I pray that he returns to unity with Rome before I pray for his mortal life.[/quote]

Having read more of his works than I probably want to admit to on Phatmass, I understand what you mean. But perhaps a little bio for those who haven't?

(Gotta admit though, I did enjoy his and Mother Theresa's sharing a taxie once)

[Justin86]

[quote name='BG45' post='1701611' date='Nov 15 2008, 11:11 AM'](Gotta admit though, I did enjoy his and Mother Theresa's sharing a taxie once)[/quote]
Really? I wonder what conversation she had with him?

[BG45]

Don't know, but shortly after her death he commented on it as a wonderful experience, even if they seemed to be at different ends of the spectrum.

[Apotheoun]

[quote name='BG45' post='1701760' date='Nov 14 2008, 09:23 PM']Don't know, but shortly after her death he commented on it as a wonderful experience, even if they seemed to be at different ends of the spectrum.[/quote]
Polar opposites.

[BG45]

[quote name='Apotheoun' post='1701761' date='Nov 15 2008, 12:24 AM']Polar opposites.[/quote]

That brought up a random image in my head of Fr. Greeley in Santa's Workshop. Yes lame of me.

[Apotheoun]

Yes, that is lame, because Santa would never allow Fr. Greeley into his workshop.