Roman Catholic Diocese of Nelson Office of the Chancellor
October 29, 2025
To the Faithful of the Diocese,
Grace and peace to you in our Lord Jesus Christ.
We wish to provide an update on the health of our beloved Bishop Gregory Bittman. As previously communicated in his last letter to the diocese; the Bishop underwent surgery on the 2nd of September for the removal of a fistula. Following the first surgery, it was determined that a second procedure would be necessary to complete the treatment. Initially, doctors anticipated that a two-week interval would be sufficient before proceeding with the second stage.
However, since that time, the Bishop has faced a few medical challenges due to ongoing complications. Other delays have also occurred due to the lack of the availability of medical personnel. These challenges have delayed the second procedure going ahead as originally planned. The medical team in Vancouver continues to monitor his condition closely and is providing attentive care as they work to manage these difficulties.
While the recovery process has been longer and more complex than expected, Bishop Gregory remains deeply rooted in faith and prayer. He continues to draw strength from the love and prayer support of the diocesan family.
At this time, in your Charity we invite the entire diocesan family to continue unite in prayer for our Bishop, praying for strength, peace, and healing. We also ask that you remember in prayer all those who dedicated to his care, that they may be guided with wisdom and compassion. Please see the prayer for Bishop Gregory attached to this letter.
May the Blessed Mother Watch over him with Christ her Son.
Sincerely in Jesus Christ our Hope,
Very Rev. Cerlouie F. Jimenez, Chancellor
Prayer for Bishop Gregory.
Lord Jesus Christ you bore our sufferings and carried our sorrows in order to show us clearly the value of human weakness and patience; graciously hear our prayer for the sick especially for your servant and our Bishop Gregory. Touch his mind and heart and fill him with the strength of the Holy Spirit. Free him from anxiety, guilt and distress. Help him to understand that he is united with you in your sufferings that he may turn to you in faith and love and receive your peace, healing and joy for you are Lord, forever and ever. Amen.
Our Father… Hail Mary… and Glory be…
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Have Mercy on us.
Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pray for us.
Our Lady Help of the sick, Pray for us.
Saint Joseph, Pray for us.
Saint Gregory the great, Pray for us.
Let us Pray:
God of compassion, our human weakness lays claim to your strength. We pray that through the skills of surgeons and nurses your healing gifts may be granted to your servant and our bishop Gregory. May your servant and our Bishop respond to your healing will, expel all afflictions of mind and body; mercifully restore him to full health and enable him to resume his duties and be reunited with us at your altar of praise. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ your Son who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
(Prayers are adapted from the Prayer for the sick in the Novena of Our Mother of Perpetual Help and from the Pastoral care of the sick; rites of anointing and viaticum)