Italian Bishop Hospitalized After Mountain Accident

ROME, SEPT. 7, 2011 (Zenit.org).- The bishop of Palestrina, Italy, has been admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Polyclinic with multiple injuries after falling off a cliff during a night pilgrimage to the Shrine of the Holy Trinity in Vallepietra.

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According to a statement released by the diocese, Bishop Domenico Sigalini had taken part in an «an intense day of prayer, Eucharistic celebration and Via Crucis» at the shrine, which is located 60 miles east of Rome at an altitude of 4,265 feet on Mount Autore.

«The whole diocesan community is invited to raise prayers to the Lord so that Bishop Sigalini’s state of health will improve as soon as possible,» the note added.

The hospital’s press office said that the bishop was admitted in critical condition.

Bishop Sigalini, former director of the National Service of Youth Pastoral Care of the Italian Episcopal Conference, has been the bishop of Palestrina since May 2005. Since 2007, he has been an ecclesial assistant to Catholic Action in Rome.

The Shrine of the Holy Trinity, which is partially carved into the rock face of Mount Autore, dates back to the fifth century. It derives its name from a notable fresco painted on the chapel wall that depicts the Holy Trinity.

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