Jacksonville | Rome January 9, 2013.- The brain tumor that was removed on January 4 from Fr. Alvaro Corcuera, general director of the Legion of Christ and of Regnum Christi, is 4th-degree glioma.  He will undergo six weeks of radiation treatment and chemotherapy in order to treat it.  Today he was released from the hospital.  He will begin treatment in about two weeks.   

On October 9, Fr. Alvaro Corcuera, LC, informed the Legionaries of Christ and the members of Regnum Christi that he had asked the Pontifical Delegate, Cardinal Velasio De Paolis, for a sabbatical since he did not think he had the necessary health to confront the demands of being general director. 

At that point, it was thought that his health problems were a consequence of the past few years, which had been especially marked by difficult situations, tension and suffering.  But, on December 30 he checked into St. Francis hospital in Hartford, CT, because his headaches had worsened.  There, they found a tumor in his brain.  After some initial tests, the doctors decided to operate in order to remove the tumor. 

On January 2, he was transferred to the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL, where he underwent a surgical intervention that lasted between 4 and 5 hours.  The tumor had not metastasized and was easy to isolate.  The doctors successfully removed it, but confirmed that it was malignant. 

On January 8, in depth analysis returned a diagnosis of 4th-degree glioma.  Fr. Alvaro will have to undergo radiation treatment and chemotherapy.  Today he was released from the hospital.  After a brief rest, he will begin the treatment, which is expected to last six weeks. 

The first days after the operation have shown that no permanent damage has been done to his faculties.  He recognizes people, he is walking without help and he engages in conversation.  His sight was affected, but the doctors expect it to heal gradually. 

Fr. Alvaro has been continuously accompanied by his brother and sisters, who went from Mexico to Jacksonville to be with him.  He is also being accompanied by Fr. Jeremy Lambert, LC, and Fr. Kevin Meehan, LC. 

Fr. Alvaro has received this news with courage and serenity, uniting himself with all those suffering from sicknesses, especially with the Legionaries of Christ and Regnum Christi members who are living in a delicate state of health.  With them, he offers his sufferings for the Church, the Pope, Regnum Christi and the Legion.  He is grateful for the many shows of support he has received.