File photo of Monsignor Thomas McIntyre of Our Lady Star of the Sea, who suffered a serious head injury when he slipped on the ice, hitting his head on a flight of stairs.
Posted on 02/18/2010 5:51:16 AM PST by NYer
File photo of Monsignor Thomas McIntyre of Our Lady Star of the Sea, who suffered a serious head injury when he slipped on the ice, hitting his head on a flight of stairs.
CAPE MAY - A local Roman Catholic priest is in critical condition with head injuries after slipping on the ice on Saturday morning.
Monsignor Thomas J. McIntyre, of Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, was airlifted to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, City Campus, in Atlantic City. McIntyre was suffering internal bleeding in his head and underwent surgery Saturday night.
A hospital spokesman Tuesday said he is in critical condition.
Mayor Ed Mahaney said the city is praying for him.
"He's very well respected and everybody is concerned about him. It was announced at Mass on Sunday," Mahaney said.
McIntyre was leaving the rectory Saturday morning to take his dog for a walk. Mahaney said he got the bottom of the stairway, slipped on the pavement and fell backward with his head hitting a concrete step.
Church Deacon Robert Carson had breakfast with McIntyre shortly after he fell, and at that point the bump on his head was getting bigger, but McIntyre thought he was fine. During the afternoon McIntyre called Carson and said he needed help.
"He said he was fine, and then late in the afternoon he called," Carson said. "I just keep him in my prayers," he added.
EMT/firefighters Alex Toler and Tim Gay responded to the 911 call. Mahaney credited them for making the right decision to call for a helicopter.
"We are very fortunate Monsignor called when he did and the two EMT/firefighters made that accurate and quick diagnostic decision. The surgeons believe that was a major factor in saving his life," Mahaney said.
The mayor said McIntyre is resting comfortably following the surgery.
Please remember Fr. McIntyre in your prayers.
Prayers for Father McIntyre are on the way.
Prayers for Monsignor McIntyre
God Bless Fr. McIntyre! I pray for his full recovery! Our Pastor slipped on ice a few years back, but thankfully, only broke his ankle!
Prayers lifted.
oh, dear. I pray he fully recovers.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.