KMPH
August 17 2010
http://www.kmph.com/Global/story.asp?S=12990011
[with video]
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Fresno - The head of the Catholic Diocese of Fresno is asking his followers for their prayers.
Bishop John T. Steinbock notified local priests that he has been diagnosed with lung cancer.
He has been a spiritual leader in the Valley for nearly 20 years.
The 73-year-old bishop was appointed by Pope John Paul II.
Many parishioners found out about the bishop's illness during Sunday mass.
"We have prayers for different intentions and prayers for the sick, his name came up, kind of surprising...they say he's seriously ill," explained Anthony DeBenedetto, who attends church at St. Paul Newman Catholic Center.
In a letter to priests across the Valley, diocese leaders explained why the bishop is in need of prayers.
"I knew he had smoked in previous years, but you never think something like that would happen," said Larry Renner, a parishioner at St. Paul Newman Catholic Center.
Valley Catholics have turned to Bishop Steinbock for direction and spiritual guidance for the past 19 years.
The diocese covers 8 counties and includes more than a million Catholic followers.
Many describe him as a humble leader, who never acted as though he was above the people in his parish.
In recent days, the bishop has been vocal on issues like immigration reform.
He's also been at the center of controversy, even called to testify in court about allegations of sexual abuse by clergy.
But overall, the bishop is well respected by his flock.
"I think it's a tragedy, he's been a strong bishop for the Fresno Diocese, he's made a big impact," said Renner.
His followers say they will continue to pray for their leader, as he embarks on his uphill battle against cancer.
"He's in for a fight that's for sure, God willing, he'll win," said DeBenedetto.
Diocese leaders say the bishop plans to meet with doctors and undergo more medical tests in the coming days, and that he will keep his followers update and informed of his condition.
Steinbock was ordained as a priest in 1963.
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