He is a terminally ill priest who is being tossed about in a custody battle, and his legal guardian is denying him access to the sacraments and his family. HT Life News
What confuses me about this case is that there seems to be a rather very simple piece missing. A person cannot claim that someone is mentally incompetent. The patient has to undergo a mental health examination by a psychiatrist to determine competence. At any time, it seems these hospitals could accomplish this-and then there would be the current proof that he is in fact competent to make his own decisions. Her supposed POA status would then be null. I am just not understanding how this woman can continue to make these claims and have law enforcement working for her to obtain custody. Ridiculous!
Leticia, got the link at Esther's and will include on my blogs: A Tribute to Our Priests and the Eucharist and Rosary Novena. Thank you! It is simply wonderful to meet bloggers who care for our priests! God bless you abundantly!
In response to Kristen's comment, I wish there had been a competency exam, but apparently a person in Arizona can have someone declared incompetent "temporarily" pending a hearing. I imagine that during the discovery phase that competency would be determined, but none was done for Father at the time he checked himself out of the hospital and was moved back to California. The family was afraid that the care he was given was such that Father would likely have died prior to the scheduled hearing.
To deny a priest access to the Sacraments is nothing short of scandalous...and I will be praying for a happy outcome to this travesty. God keep him and his family in the palm of His hand...J.
7 comments:
I will certainly pray!
What confuses me about this case is that there seems to be a rather very simple piece missing. A person cannot claim that someone is mentally incompetent. The patient has to undergo a mental health examination by a psychiatrist to determine competence. At any time, it seems these hospitals could accomplish this-and then there would be the current proof that he is in fact competent to make his own decisions. Her supposed POA status would then be null. I am just not understanding how this woman can continue to make these claims and have law enforcement working for her to obtain custody. Ridiculous!
Leticia, got the link at Esther's and will include on my blogs: A Tribute to Our Priests and the Eucharist and Rosary Novena. Thank you! It is simply wonderful to meet bloggers who care for our priests! God bless you abundantly!
In response to Kristen's comment, I wish there had been a competency exam, but apparently a person in Arizona can have someone declared incompetent "temporarily" pending a hearing. I imagine that during the discovery phase that competency would be determined, but none was done for Father at the time he checked himself out of the hospital and was moved back to California. The family was afraid that the care he was given was such that Father would likely have died prior to the scheduled hearing.
Check out frgallagher.com for more information.
Please pray for Father, his safety and comfort.
Kristen, your points are valid. There is more to the story than many realize. Fr. Gallagher and all those involved are in my prayers.
Lifting Fr. and his family up in prayer.
Thanks for sharing this, Leticia.
To deny a priest access to the Sacraments is nothing short of scandalous...and I will be praying for a happy outcome to this travesty.
God keep him and his family in the palm of His hand...J.
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