YOUNGSTOWN - The Catholic Diocese of Youngstown revealed on Thursday that Bishop George Murry’s leukemia has returned.

The announcement, made on the eve of Good Friday, says Bishop Murry is undergoing treatment as an outpatient at St. Elizabeth Hospital, Youngstown. 

Bishop Murry was admitted to the Cleveland Clinic in April 2018 for treatment of leukemia and was released the following June.

The disease returned in July of last year. The Diocese announced in October that Bishop Murry was again in remission.

According to a statement from the Diocese, Bishop Murry is very appreciative of all the prayers and support he has received and will continue to receive, but he is not accepting visitors or calls at this time. 

"During this Holy Week Bishop Murry’s prayers are with those who are suffering from the coronavirus and their families.  He encourages each of us to do all we can to stay safe and healthy," according to the statement.

Periodic health updates on Bishop Murry will be given. 

The news comes just two days after the Bishop issued the following Easter message:

Over the last several weeks, the spread of the coronavirus drastically changed our lives.  As we celebrate Easter in a different way, we must believe that we can face the difficulties of this time because we know that this too will end, and that we will enjoy the fullness of life once again. 

What all this underlines is the importance of hope.  Hope is necessary for the spirit, as bread is for the body.  It is amazing what the human spirit can endure and overcome provided it is nourished by the bread of hope. 

Easter provides an enormous injection of hope for the human spirit.  And how much it is needed.  There is a lot of tragedy in life.  Good things are destroyed.  Good people are cut down.  The death of Jesus reminds us that he too was cut down, but he rose again.

Jesus rose as a sign to those who loved him and followed him that God’s love is stronger than death.  The resurrection of Jesus must not be separated from the resurrection of humanity saved by him.  By entering fully into human life, and by experiencing the bitterness of death, Jesus became brother and savior to all people.  The death of Jesus was part of God’s plan.  Jesus is the Pioneer and Leader of our salvation: pointing the way and leading the way along the road of obedience and suffering.

This Easter, we will feel the pain of isolation.  But a new element has been introduced into our lives.  All will be made whole again, because Jesus is alive and speaks his words of peace, healing and hope.