BELIZE
Bishop Lawrence Nicasio of Belize City and Belmopan has his doctor’s clearance to return for a “brief visit” to his home diocese since his departure for surgery at Mercy Hospital, Missouri July 6, 2022.
His surgery on July 21 removed blockage of the colon which was found to be cancerous. The Bishop has since been recovering at Regina Cleri, a home for retired priests in the Archdiocese of St Louis, Missouri.
In a three-minute video clip via Guadalupe Media Belize’s YouTube page dated May 30, Bishop Nicasio said he “jumped for joy” when he got “permission” to return home for an ordination ceremony Saturday, June 17.
“I said, ‘My God, it’s been a while’. I can’t wait to get home and eat some local food and enjoy local dishes from every ethnic group in Belize. So, I’m looking forward to that,” the Bishop said.
He mentioned he was instructed not to move around much or get too tired during his time home. Bishop Nicasio will be returning to Missouri to finish treatment.
He acknowledged while there may be “hundreds” of homes he would like to visit, he is unable to.
Bishop Nicasio expressed thanks to all for their prayers, greetings, and words of encouragement. “I’m coming along very well. I’m feeling really good,” he said.
He then thanked his doctors and nurses at the Hospital, a few of whom he said are Catholics “and we really have been praying for one another.”
Bishop Nicasio added the staff has offered him “loving care.” “I’m very grateful for that,” he said.
