Palma hospitalized since Sunday night

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma is still in the hospital resting but is doing fine, Cebu Archdiocesan Episcopal Vicar Msgr. Esteban Binghay said.

“He is still resting but he is okay. He is not in serious condition,” said Binghay, as he clarified reports that Palma suffered from surgical wound bleeding.

Palma underwent surgery a month ago to remove gall bladder stones.

The 62-year-old prelate was confined at Perpetual Succour Hospital Sunday night because of fever, which stemmed from his coughs and colds he got over the weekend.

Binghay said he learned last Monday that their annual consulter’s meeting supposedly held with Palma last Tuesday was cancelled as the archbishop was taken to the hospital.

Binghay said Palma had already been feverish Saturday and was suffering from colds while celebrating Mass in Talisay City.

In fact, during the procession, Binghay advised the archbishop to take a rest because his immune system is getting weaker.

Binghay said the archbishop, however, asserted that he had many appointments to attend to.

“I told him, your excellence, you should rest because you might get pneumonia,” the priest said.

Palma, who still celebrated Mass during the Feast of St. Joseph in Mabolo last Sunday, was no longer allowed by concerned priests to do the Holy Communion.

As of yesterday, nobody was still allowed to visit the archbishop at the hospital, Binghay said.

The monsignor added that they still have no idea when the archbishop will resume to work. - Niña G. Sumacot/LPM (THE FREEMAN)