Mount St Benedict Abbot in recovery after major surgery

By Kaelanne Jordan

Abbot John Pereira OSB underwent “major surgery” almost immediately following a sudden illness on Sunday, September 1 during breakfast, which doctors classified as “a serious emergency”.

In an interview with The Catholic News, he explained that an ulcer had burst in his stomach, leaving him unable to move.

He was quickly transported to St Augustine Private Hospital, where doctors assessed his condition and recommended that he be admitted for surgery. “I told them that I was not able to financially afford such treatment in the private sector. I asked whether they could arrange for my treatment at San Fernando General Hospital, where it would be free as it is within the public sector,” Abbot Pereira recounted via phone.

Now recovering, Abbot Pereira expressed gratitude, noting, “Each day I am feeling a bit better, thanks,” in response to concerns following his Facebook post Thursday, September 5.

In his post, he wrote, “San Fernando General Hospital: Sitting up this morning and doing well. I give San Fernando General Hospital a grade 10/10. I have been to hospitals in Colombia and Italy before, and they have nothing above the quality of health care service that I am receiving at San Fernando General. The medical personnel is kind, caring, and efficient…”

He further told The Catholic News that his hospitalisation was “very unfortunate” and disrupted his plans to attend the World Congress of Benedictine Abbots at Sant’ Anselmo in Rome this month. However, he expressed hope to participate “at some point” virtually.

It was six years ago at Subiaco in Italy, at the General Chapter of the Congregation of the Annunciation, Maksymilian Robert Nawara from Poland was elected Abbot President of the Benedictine Congregation.

“I was looking forward to meeting with him…. Since his election …he has been a great support and blessing for myself personally and for our monastic community at Mount St Benedict in Tunapuna,” Abbot Pereira said.

Five days after the surgery, Abbot Pereira is on a restricted diet and is not allowed solid foods. When asked about his discharge, he commented, “They’re not rushing me, and I’m not rushing them.”

He has requested the faithful to pray for his swift recovery and for a successful Congress of Abbots.