Update on Fr. Andrew Reitz, OFM

March 22, 2025

Many of you are aware that Fr. Andrew has been dealing with some health issues over the past six months. Because he had lost a lot of weight, he has seen a number of doctors and has undergone many tests to determine the cause. He has been able to regain some weight and has been growing stronger and stronger.

Unfortunately, on Tuesday, March 18, while he was at HMH Southern Ocean Medical Center for yet another test, he took a fall on the sidewalk. He was taken directly to the Emergency Room and admitted to the hospital. He needed six stitches in his forehead and has a number of bruises on his face, hands, and knees. As he said to me when we first spoke, “I look worse than it is.” As is typical of Fr. Andrew, his spirits are good, and he continues to have a very positive attitude.

If there is a silver lining in all of this, they did discover that he has congestive heart failure and had been retaining a lot of fluids. He has responded well to the treatment, and he looks and feels much better.

After four days in the hospital, the plan is for him to begin inpatient rehabilitation so he can become stronger and more steady on his feet before returning to the friary.

Fr. Kevin and I would like to extend our thanks to the many parishioners and friends for your support—not only of Fr. Andrew, but also of us. We would also like to thank the staff at SOMC and the many doctors and nurses for their great care and help.

If you would like to send a card to Fr. Andrew, please mail it to his attention at:

St. Francis Center
4700 Long Beach Blvd
Brant Beach, NJ 08008

We will make sure they are delivered to him.

Please continue to pray for Fr. Andrew, and for the doctors, nurses, and hospital staff who work so hard so we can be healed.

Fr. Francis Di Spigno, OFM