Diocese in dark about bishop’s return to Gallup

By Elizabeth Hardin-Burrola
Staff writer

GALLUP — Roman Catholic Bishop Donald E. Pelotte said he is returning to Gallup today — news which seemed to catch even diocesan officials by surprise.

On Thursday morning, Marianne Armshaw, a Florida reporter hired by the Independent, stopped by the oceanfront condo Pelotte owns in Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, a community located between Palm Beach and Miami. The Gallup bishop invited Armshaw inside his home and consented to a short interview, although he wouldn’t consent to a photograph. Pelotte told her he was in the process of packing, and that he would be returning to Gallup on Friday.

This was surprising news, considering that chancery officials had just posted an update on the diocese’s Web site on Sept. 14 that seem to indicate Pelotte’s medical recovery was still in the early stages. According to the statement, Father James E. Walker, the vicar general for the diocese, reported Pelotte “has shown signs of improvement from his head injuries” but that he is “still very restricted in what he can do.”

“Father Walker said that despite the bishop’s participation in a few of his official duties, he is still a long way from being able to return to full-time ministry,” the statement said. “There is no indication from medical personnel when such a resumption of duties will be possible.”

However, Armshaw found Pelotte, who had apparently been reading a newspaper when he answered the door, to be very mentally alert although somewhat physically frail. A neighbor reported that the bishop had been swimming regularly, going out for lunches and dinners, and even driving.

After learning of Armshaw’s interview, The Independent called the Diocese of Gallup to confirm Pelotte’s return.

Matt Doyle, the diocese’s newly hired interim communications director, denied Pelotte was returning today and said the newspaper’s information was incorrect. “When the bishop returns to Gallup, we will make a public announcement on that,” he said.

But after learning of Armshaw’s interview, Dolye promised to check on the report and get back with the newspaper. In a telephone interview later in the day, Doyle confirmed Pelotte was indeed returning to Gallup today.

According to Doyle, Pelotte received medical clearance to return to Gallup at about the same time of Armshaw’s interview.

Because chancery officials are not privy to Pelotte’s medical records or to his on-going medical treatment, Doyle said, they also weren’t sure when the bishop will be able to return to work. When Pelotte will resume his ministerial duties remains to be decided, he said, adding that chancery officials believe the bishop is not going to resume full-time ministry duties immediately.

But like Pelotte’s apparently unexpected return to Gallup, the date of his return to work is up to Pelotte, not chancery officials. “Because he’s bishop,” Doyle said, “he calls the shots.”

Citing Pelotte’s privacy needs, Doyle declined to provide any details as to the bishop’s traveling arrangements or when he would be arriving back in town.

After his interview with The Independent, Doyle issued an official press release via e-mail and also posted it on the “Chancellor’s Blog” on the Diocese of Gallup’s Web site.

“The Diocese of Gallup welcomes the return of its shepherd Bishop Pelotte,” Doyle’s release concludes. “The very fact that he is once again with his people is an answer to the many prayers that have been offered for his health and welfare ... and for the people of the Diocese of Gallup. It is in this spirit that the people of the church of Gallup again repeat the greeting that is extended to a bishop when he assumes the leadership of a local church — Ad multos annos.”

That Latin phrase, of course, means “To many years.”

Reporter Elizabeth Hardin-Burrola can be contacted at (505) 863-6811 ext. 218 or ehardin-burrola@yahoo.com