Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ:
May God’s blessings be with you during these summer days! I hope this time provides opportunities for grace and renewal for your families and your parish communities.
Over the past few months, I have had some health issues that have resulted in medical tests and hospitalizations, and I can now confirm the diagnosis and the treatment plan. I have been diagnosed with urothelial carcinoma in my bladder and prostate and will take part in a treatment plan that includes immunotherapy and chemotherapy for at least 12 weeks. I am very grateful to Dr. Dan George, chief oncologist of the Duke University Cancer Institute, and his team who will administer and oversee this treatment. At the end of the treatment, I will have surgery to have my bladder and prostate removed.
I feel well, and with the encouragement of Dr. George, I have remained active during this time. While the doctor gives me good cause for optimism, there are always dangers and unexpected issues that can arise during cancer treatment, so I ask for your continued prayers.
In order to facilitate this therapy regimen and deal with any side effects, I will remain in North Carolina during the entire length of the treatment. During that time, I will be in regular contact with Father Martin Linebach, Vicar General, and Dr. Brian Reynolds, Chancellor, in order to insure that proper pastoral leadership and care is provided within the Archdiocese. I also have been in touch with Archbishop Christophe Pierre, the Papal Nuncio to the United States, and he is supportive of the plan I have developed.
Needless to say, I will miss the many opportunities I have to visit parishes and talk with so many of you at upcoming events this summer and fall. You will be in my prayers. Please keep me in yours.
Sincerely yours in our Lord,
Most Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D.
Archbishop of Louisville
Continued love and prayers for you at this time and always.
Prayers in the name of Our Lord , Jesus Christ !
You are in my thoughts and prayers for GOD’S COMPLETE HEALING!
You will definitely be in my prayers. Stay strong!
Dear Archbishop Joseph Kurtz: I am a friend of Mary Kovacs and she was kind enough to
forward me this message. I will keep you in my prayers and ask God for your successful
treatment and recovery. Keep me in your prayers. I had attended the events with the other
ladies at St. Mary’s Church in Catasauqua and that is when you were working at the parish
and I had met you. That was many years ago. I pray that God gives you a full recovery.
Love and prayers from the Klein family❤️????. For strength and comfortable recovery ????❤️May the lord be with you always????????
Archbishop Kurtz, I just learned today about your battle with cancer. I am hoping that by this writing you are well and cancer-free. The Palmer family from “the patch” in New Boston, PA, wishes you well. Pray for my family as we will pray for you.