Brother Superior General Robert Schieler, FSC, is recovering following a liver transplant he received on March 25, 2020. Brother Robert was placed on the transplant waiting list late last year after he was successfully treated for liver cancer.
“I would like to add my voice to all of ours in offering gratitude for the medical team who has been working with Brother Bob over the past year,” shared Brother Timothy Coldwell, FSC, General Councilor for the Lasallian Region of North America. “Let’s continue to pray for the grace of healing.”
Read the announcements below for more details and the latest information.
April 8, 2020
Brother Jorge Gallardo de Alba, FSC, Vicar General, provided this update on the recovery of Brother Robert: “I share with you the happy news that our Brother Superior, Bob Schieler, has been discharged from the hospital after having a liver transplant two weeks ago. The doctors are satisfied with the way Bob is reacting and have considered that he can continue his recovery at home. Since yesterday, April 7, the liturgical feast of our founder, Bob has been in his home community in Ammendale, near Baltimore, where he will remain for a few more weeks until he is completely recovered and can resume his normal activities. Let us continue our prayers for his health.”
April 3, 2020
Brother Jorge Gallardo de Alba, FSC, Vicar General, provided an update on the recovery of Brother Robert. He reported that the doctors are pleased with how Brother Robert is doing. He is no longer in ICU. He has begun taking nourishment and even taking some (very) short walks. He is progressing but will remain in the hospital for perhaps another week. Brother Jorge asks for continued prayers for the Superior General’s recovery.
March 26, 2020
Dear Brothers Visitor, Delegates, Presidents and Lasallian Family,
We are writing to share an update on Brother Robert’s health. As you know, our Superior General received a liver transplant on Wednesday 25. We are thankful to report that Brother Robert’s transplant was a success and that his recovery is going well. He is currently in the intensive care unit, as expected, and will remain in the hospital for 10-14 days after he is moved from intensive care. Following his discharge, he will reside in the La Salle Hall community in Beltsville, Maryland, for three months for weekly follow-up visits with his medical team.
Brother Robert thanks you for your prayers and support. He is receiving the best medical care and looks forward to resuming his service. In the meantime, the General Councilors and I continue to carry out the day-to-day operations of the Institute.
Please continue to pray for Brother Robert in his recovery and for the generous person who donated his liver and this person’s loved ones. We look forward to welcoming Brother Robert back to fully participate in his role as Superior General.
Fraternally,
Brother Jorge Gallardo de Alba, FSC
Vicar General
March 25, 2020
Dear Brothers Visitor, Delegate, President and Lasallian Family,
I am writing to share an update on my health.
As you know, my liver cancer was successfully treated last year. Last autumn, I was placed on a waiting list for a liver transplant that was deemed necessary due to cirrhosis. In March, the hospital contacted me to tell me that a donation may soon be available. That news has required me to remain in the United States and stay close to Baltimore, Maryland, where the hospital is located. Since then, I have been staying in my home community in Beltsville, Maryland, and continuing to work.
The hospital contacted me yesterday to inform me that a liver has become available, and that I should report to the hospital today for the transplant. I pray that the generous person who donated this liver will rest in the loving embrace of God, and I ask you to join me in praying for the comfort of his/her loved ones.
I expect to be in the intensive care unit for one to two days after surgery, followed by 10-14 days in the hospital. After that, I will return to my community in Maryland, La Salle Hall, to continue my recovery.
In this time when I need to focus solely on my health, the Vicar General and General Councilors will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Institute. We have been preparing for this temporary transition, and I look forward to rejoining them in fully serving the Lasallian mission.
I invite you to include me in your prayers.
Sincerely,
Brother Robert Schieler, FSC
Superior General
Top photo: Brother Superior General Robert Schieler, FSC, visits Christian Brothers Academy in Syracuse, New York, in the District of Eastern North America in November 2019 during his pastoral visit to RELAN.