Archbishop Emeritus Nicholas Chia in coma after suffering fall on Tuesday

Archbishop Emeritus Nicholas Chia. Archbishop Emeritus Chia, 75, is in a coma at the Intensive Care Unit at Mount Alvernia after falling down on Tuesday. -- ST FILE PHOTO: CHEW SENG KIM
Archbishop Emeritus Nicholas Chia. Archbishop Emeritus Chia, 75, is in a coma at the Intensive Care Unit at Mount Alvernia after falling down on Tuesday. -- ST FILE PHOTO: CHEW SENG KIM

Archbishop Emeritus Nicholas Chia, 75, is in a coma at the Intensive Care Unit at Mount Alvernia after falling down on Tuesday.

According to the Catholic Church, he was found on the ground at Punggol Park, which is next to the Catholic Spirituality Centre where he resides. He is suffering from brain haemorrhage and may require surgery if his condition deteriorates, said the Church in a statement.

It is not clear how he fell but The Straits Times understands that he has generally been healthy although he has been unsteady on his feet for some time. Archbishop William Goh has asked the Catholic community to come together and pray for his predecessor.

"We are deeply saddened by this unfortunate incident. Archbishop Emeritus Chia is still very much loved and appreciated by the faithful, as he has served the people faithfully for 50 years, as priest and as Archbishop. I urge all Catholics to pray for him. The Lord will grant graces that he most needs at this moment, and if it is the Lord's will, he will have a speedy recovery," said Archbishop Goh.

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