A Day within the Life: Father Cesar Galan

Father Cesar Galan is a beloved and common member of the employees at St. Francis Medical Heart in Lynwood, California, the place he serves because the hospital’s chaplain. As he wheels via 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 of many worst instances in his life.

In 2001, whereas at a buddy’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 damage.

Galan, who was working as a truck driver on the time of the taking pictures, felt misplaced and unsure about his future. It was throughout this time of deep private battle that he skilled a second of readability and religion that modified the course of his life. “Whereas I used to be within the hospital, I struck up a friendship with the chaplain. Once I checked out him, I noticed one thing that I actually needed in my life — and that was peace. That peace led me to say sure to God,” says Galan. A 12 months after the taking pictures, he started volunteering as a chaplain at St. Francis.

After years of volunteering, he grew to become a non secular brother and finally entered the seminary to turn out to be a priest. “I spent seven years learning on the seminary. They had been very welcoming. In every single place I wanted to go, they made positive it was accessible for me,” says Galan. In 2023, he was ordained and have become Los Angeles’ first paraplegic priest. As we speak, 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 suppose I might have had this vocation, had I not gone via that have.”

4:30 a.m. I’m an early riser. I dwell in a rectory on the church property with 4 different monks. I start my day with private prayer and low. Having been raised in a Catholic household, I bear in mind watching my father say the rosary on his knees and educating us tips on how to pray.

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

6:30 a.m. Because the processional music alerts the beginning of Mass, I start to make my option to the altar. Regardless of being in-built 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 on the parish and two days on the hospital. Fortunately, I solely have a 2-mile commute from the rectory to the hospital. I drive a Toyota 4Runner with hand controls. Upon arriving on the hospital, I obtain a printout of all of the Catholic sufferers that had been admitted the night time earlier than. There could be anyplace between 20-35 sufferers I want 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. Typically the sufferers simply wish to speak, different instances I simply cease to hope with them.

St. Francis Medical Heart is a small trauma hospital in a low-income neighborhood. I usually see loads of gang members there who’ve been shot. Once they see me in my wheelchair, there may be a right away unstated understanding, and it helps me have an instantaneous reference to them. I attempt to assist them deal with what they’ll nonetheless do, and that’s to dwell a life that’s significant and fulfilling.

1 p.m. Parish life could be very busy. All through the week I’ve numerous pastoral duties. 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 getting ready individuals to obtain the Holy Sacraments.

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

7 p.m. My days could be lengthy as a result of principally I’m on name. At any time all through the day, I may very well be known as to a nursing dwelling 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’re able to open themselves as much as me throughout this troublesome time of 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.

Enjoyable Details

What forms of books do you take pleasure in: Numerous religious studying and historical past, particularly in regards to the Roman Empire.

Place you’ll love to go to: Spain

Greatest Problem: Accepting my incapacity was some of the troublesome issues for me. However 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.