Scottish Catholic Observer

Catholics from across Scotland have been praying for Bishop William Nolan of Galloway after he had a heart attack last week.

62 year old Bishop Nolan, who is making a good recovery, went to hospital after complaining of chest pains at his home in Ayr last Friday morning. After calling for paramedic assistance he was transferred by ambulance to Hairmyres Hospital in East Kilbride, where he has had a stent. He was later transferred to Wishaw General, close to where he has family and released from hospital to recuperate with them on Monday. He continues to make good progress.

Catholics in parishes in Galloway Diocese and across Scotland were praying for him at Mass last Sunday. Two of his fellow bishop urged their flocks to pray for Bishop Nolan.

Bishop John Keenan of Paisley said: “I have asked our priests and religious for prayers. Please God he can make a full and speedy recovery.”

Bishop Stephen Robson echoed the plea saying ‘prayers for Bishop Bill are promised by the Catholic Community of Dunkeld.’

Bishop Nolan thanked all those who were praying for him, saying ‘they are being heard.’

Galloway’s Vicar General Fr William McFadden is expected to cover for the Bishop while he recovers. Bishop Nolan was installed as Bishop in February of last year and has kept a busy schedule including a trip to World Youth Day last month.

It’s the second time in two years a Scottish bishop has had a heart attack. Archbishop Philip Tartaglia of Glasgow was admitted to hospital in Salamanca last January after feeling unwell, and tests confirmed he had suffered a heart attack. He later made a full recovery.

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—This story ran in full in the August 19 edition print of the SCO, available in parishes.