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9 August 2023
Dear Faithful and Clergy of the Archdiocese,
I want to bring to your attention the awareness of my health. I have recently been diagnosed with prostate cancer. The cancer is causing me no alarm, but the treatments I will be taking may limit somewhat my availability over the coming weeks. Knowing that word may soon spread around about my illness, I want to be open with you about my health and prevent any rumours.
My oncologist at the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital Cancer Center tells me that the cancer cells are in the aggressive range, but are limited in number and have not yet spread to neighboring tissue or bones. In the coming weeks and months, I will undergo radiation therapy and a course of medical therapy. I am hopeful these treatments will fully address this situation. Of course, I will only know for sure once I am retested. I ask your prayers for my recovery and good health, that I may be able to lead and serve our Archdiocese as chief shepherd for the remaining few years before my retirement.
Please know that I am in good spirits and feel healthy for my age. I rely on God’s graces to sustain me during these days, as He has always done.
Most Rev. Gerard Pettipas, C.Ss.R.
Archbishop of Grouard-McLennan