Press Release
The Evangelical Catholic Diocese of the
Northwest
POB 178388
Chicago Illinois 60617-8388
Office: 773-721-5383 Fax: 773-721-2581
Email: diocesenw@aol.com
June 20, 2007
Chicago, Illinois - For Immediate Release
Bishop Wilkowski Undergoes
Quintuple Heart By-Pass Surgery
Bishop James Alan Wilkowski, Evangelical Catholic Bishop for the Diocese of the Northwest underwent quintuple heart by-pass surgery yesterday morning at Christ Hospital in Oak Lawn Illinois and is currently resting in good and stable condition in the hospital's intensive care unit.
Bishop Wilkowski's surgery was performed by Dr. Antone J. Tatooles, MD. Dr. Tatooles described the Bishop's surgery as "routine" and that the Bishop tolerated the three hour procedure well.
On Monday, June 18th, the 53 year old Bishop entered South Suburban Hospital in Hazel Crest to undergo angioplasty to open blockage found in the Bishop's heart. When the angioplasty procedure failed, the Bishop's cardiologist, Dr. Ajay Parikh, MD had the Bishop transferred to Christ Hospital for surgery the next morning at 7:30 AM.
Prior to surgery, the Bishop received the Sacrament of the Sick and made his personal confession. The Bishop was joined by his cousin, Robert Perkovich, who arrived back in Chicago from Dallas just before the Bishop was taken into surgery. Mr. Perkovich and Deacon Nioclįs Kelly later joined the Bishop in his ICU room.
Bishop David Doyle, Presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Catholic Church, has been informed of Bishop Wilkowski's surgery and will continue to be briefed on Bishop Wilkowski's progress.
It is anticipated that the Bishop will be able to return to his residence within 5 to 7 days.
The Bishop's schedule has been suspended until his recovery has been completed.
For any additional information, please contact Deacon Nioclįs Kelly at 773-817-5818.