Local bishop
treated for blood clot

Back pain forces Francis DiLorenzo
into a Philadelphia hospital for 5 days

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By Mary Adamski
madamski@starbulletin.com

Honolulu Catholic Bishop Francis DiLorenzo was released from a Philadelphia hospital Saturday after five days of treatment for a pulmonary embolism.

DiLorenzo flew to Philadelphia on Sept. 10 from Washington, D.C., where he had attended meetings of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

The bishop had just arrived for a visit with his parents in Philadelphia when he entered the hospital complaining of back pain. It was determined that he had a blood clot in his lungs, and he was kept in the hospital while a blood thinner was administered to dissolve it, said Honolulu diocesan spokesman Patrick Downes. Doctors advised that long spells of sitting on airplanes is probably what caused the blood clot, he said.

It was the second hospital treatment in a month for DiLorenzo, 59. In August doctors at St. Francis Medical Center performed a heart catheterization to check possible blockage of arteries. Doctors said his condition did not warrant surgery, but they advised an exercise regimen, strict diet and medication, Downes said.

The bishop is visiting his parents and will return to Hawaii on Sept. 25.

While in Washington, he attended meetings of the Catholic bishops' committees on science and human values and on doctrine and pastoral practice.

Downes said the bishop will resume his schedule on his return. Events include a Sept. 27 banquet of the Augustine Educational Foundation honoring retired Bishop Joseph Ferrario. DiLorenzo will preside at a 10 a.m. Mass Sept. 29 celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa, 712 N. School St. He and Episcopal Bishop Richard Chang will preside at an ecumenical vespers service Sept. 30 at Holy Trinity Church, 5919 Kalanianaole Highway in Kuliouou.