A Day in the Life: Father Cesar Galan

Father Cesar Galan is a beloved and in style member of the employees at St. Francis Medical Center in Lynwood, California, the place he serves as the hospital’s chaplain. As he wheels by the halls visiting sufferers, it’s a full circle expertise for Galan, 52, who was as soon as a affected person at St. Francis throughout one in every of the worst instances in his life.

In 2001, whereas at a good friend’s home, Galan — then in his late 20s — and his brother had been shot a number of instances in a gang-related confrontation. They had been rushed to St. Francis, the place his brother tragically handed away and Galan sustained a T4 spinal wire harm.

Galan, who was working as a truck driver at the time of the capturing, felt misplaced and unsure about his future. It was throughout this time of deep private wrestle that he skilled a second of readability and religion that modified the course of his life. “While I used to be in the hospital, I struck up a friendship with the chaplain. When I checked out him, I noticed one thing that I actually wished in my life — and that was peace. That peace led me to say sure to God,” says Galan. A yr after the capturing, he started volunteering as a chaplain at St. Francis.

After years of volunteering, he grew to become a spiritual brother and finally entered the seminary to develop into a priest. “I spent seven years learning at the seminary. They had been very welcoming. Everywhere I wanted to go, they made certain it was accessible for me,” says Galan. In 2023, he was ordained and have become Los Angeles’ first paraplegic priest. Today, he divides his time between hospital chaplaincy and parish work at St. Raymond Catholic Church in Downey, California.

“In my darkest days, I couldn’t think about myself doing this work. I’ve no hate for the one who killed my brother and paralyzed me, as a result of my vocation got here from that tragedy. I don’t assume I might have had this vocation, had I not gone by that have.”

4:30 a.m. I’m an early riser. I stay in a rectory on the church property with 4 different monks. I start my day with private prayer and occasional. Having been raised in a Catholic household, I keep in mind watching my father say the rosary on his knees and instructing us the best way to pray.

At St. Raymond’s we have now Mass day by day. After morning prayer, I look over at the moment’s gospel readings and put together my homily.

6:30 a.m. As the processional music indicators the begin of Mass, I start to make my method to the altar. Despite being constructed in 1958, the church solely wanted minor lodging for me, like including a ramp so I’ve entry to the altar. Going to Mass and receiving the Eucharist is my favourite half — it retains me grounded. Following Mass, I greet parishioners and I hear confession.

10 a.m. I work 4 days at the parish and two days at the hospital. Luckily, I solely have a 2-mile commute from the rectory to the hospital. I drive a Toyota 4Runner with hand controls. Upon arriving at the hospital, I obtain a printout of all the Catholic sufferers that had been admitted the evening earlier than. There might be anyplace between 20-35 sufferers I would like to go to.

12 p.m. I additionally obtain referrals from employees of non-Catholic sufferers who may gain advantage from a go to. I normally let the affected person lead the dialog. Sometimes the sufferers simply wish to discuss, different instances I simply cease to wish with them.

St. Francis Medical Center is a small trauma hospital in a low-income neighborhood. I usually see a variety of gang members there who’ve been shot. When they see me in my wheelchair, there may be a direct unstated understanding, and it helps me have an prompt reference to them. I attempt to assist them deal with what they will nonetheless do, and that’s to stay a life that’s significant and fulfilling.

1 p.m. Parish life might be very busy. Throughout the week I’ve quite a few pastoral obligations. For instance, I is perhaps offering religious counseling to married {couples}, serving to dad and mom who’re having a troublesome time with their youngsters, or making ready folks to obtain the Holy Sacraments.

5 p.m. I don’t eat at residence usually. I normally exit with mates for sushi or one thing. Sometimes parishioners will ask me to exit or invite me to their residence to have dinner. The evenings I’m residence, I’m in entrance of the TV if there’s a Lakers or Dodgers recreation on. I additionally like to learn.

7 p.m. My days might be lengthy as a result of mainly I’m on name. At any time all through the day, I might be known as to a nursing residence or hospital to manage final rites. I usually discover the one who is dying has accepted it, but it surely’s the household who has not. I normally find yourself spending extra time with the household offering prayer and luxury — grateful they can open themselves as much as me throughout this troublesome time in their lives.

8:30 p.m. I normally start my night prayers round 8 p.m. and I’m in mattress by 8:30 p.m. so I’m nicely rested for the subsequent day.

Fun Facts

What varieties of books do you take pleasure in: A lot of religious studying and historical past, particularly about the Roman Empire.

Place you’d love to go to: Spain

Biggest Challenge: Accepting my incapacity was one in every of the most troublesome issues for me. But as quickly as I used to be capable of settle for it, I used to be capable of create a plan in my thoughts and transfer ahead.