The Archbishop of Catania, Monsignor Luigi Renna, is recovering after suffering a heart attack on August 11, which required urgent surgery in a private clinic in the piedmont area. Through a “Communion Letter” sent to priests and deacons of the diocese of Catania, the Archbishop communicated his current health conditions and his desire to return soon to his community.
Renna is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the Morgagni Cardiology Center in Pedara, where he was treated with great expertise immediately after the heart attack. He continues to follow a rehabilitation program under strict medical supervision and is waiting for the doctors’ authorization to return home. In the meantime, he announced that he will spend the first period of convalescence at the Santissimo Salvatore residence in Viagrande, near the rehabilitation center, and hopes to be able to return to Catania in the second half of September, if his health conditions allow it.
Archbishop Renna expressed deep gratitude for the affection and prayers received during this difficult period, saying he felt “a true embrace from the entire presbytery and the entire diocese.” The archbishop also reflected on the importance of prudence in caring for one’s health and the need to moderate the load of commitments in the future, interpreting the heart attack as a “signal” to pay attention to.
Acknowledging his frail health, Renna emphasized how this experience has strengthened his gratitude towards the Lord and increased his sensitivity towards situations of illness, which also affect members of the clergy, and which must be supported with prayer and affection.
If his health permits, Archbishop Renna plans to meet the priests of the diocese on September 13th in the Seminary and to participate in the diocesan ecclesial convention, scheduled for September 18th and 19th at the Sanctuary of Mompileri.