Monday, June 18, 2007

Keeler in the Clear

The archbishop of Baltimore's impending brain op was the lead story in this morning's Sun... until word crept out that Orioles' manager Sam Perlozzo was facing the ax.

Cardinal Keeler exited the OR sometime around 2pm, and word from the recovery room is that the insertion of the shunt went off without any hitches. The medical team at Johns Hopkins is said to be "very happy" with the surgery's execution, and the patient is resting comfortably.

A noon Mass in the Basilica of the Assumption was celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Francis Malooly, who stayed back from the USCCB retreat in Albuquerque to lead prayers and be present for his boss. A press conference in the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen is slated to begin within minutes.

The Sun reported that Malooly will celebrate the Saturday ordination of four new priests for the archdiocese. While Keeler hopes to preside in choir, the cardinal -- who was driven to the hospital for the procedure this morning -- will be kept under observation until at least Thursday.

-30-