Knoxville bishop suffers mild heart attack

Please keep Bishop Stika in your prayers.

Catholics in the Diocese of Knoxville, Tennessee are praying for their new bishop after he suffered a mild heart attack while on a trip this past weekend.

According to Deacon Sean Smith, chancellor of the Diocese of Knoxville, Bishop Richard F. Stika, was paying a visit to a friend who is sick in Florida. Things took a turn for the worse when the bishop "became ill with severe flu-like symptoms, which precipitated a diabetic crisis," Smith said.

The "diabetic crisis" caused Bishop Stika to suffer a mild heart attack, but after doctors conducted a thorough examination, they found his heart to be "in great shape."

"He had a very good night and is stable and responding well to his treatment. He is looking forward to returning home to Knoxville," said Deacon Smith in a statement from the Diocese of Knoxville.

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