Please pray for Father Goyo! 🙏
Father Goyo Hidalgo of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles announced on his social media accounts that he was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor.
Father Goyo is popular on social media for sharing various experiences of his priesthood and encouraging his followers in their Catholic faith.
He has over 100,000 followers on Twitter and almost 40,000 followers on Instagram.
"The news I feared is here. I have a big cancerous tumor," Father Goyo wrote on Twitter. They don’t know if they can operate or even shrink. So I guess my next appointment will determine what my future is. I am at peace and at the same time scared. I pray for all who hear the cancer news for [the] first time. Not fun."
Over the years, ChurchPOP reported many of Father Goyo's tweets and stories. He often encourages his followers to persevere in faith and prayer, even when circumstances seem hopeless.
3 Ways You Can Help Father Goyo
In an official statement for ChurchPOP, Father Goyo requested prayers because he has a "big tumor" and "needs to find a surgeon who will be able to shrink it or take it out. It's really bad."
He added that he "offers everything for the unity of the church. For people who suffer. For conversion of those who need God and for those who need miracles. For all my brother priests and for vocations."
Father Goyo also provided three spiritual actions people can take to help him:
1) "I need strong prayer. The more the better. I believe in it. I believe in miracles. So please call anybody you know. Groups. Convents. Anybody."
2) "I am asking my mom for intercession but also Blessed Carlo Acutis if people want to ask a saint." (His mother's name is Ricarda.)
3) He asks that people offer Masses, which is the highest form of prayer. "Storm Heaven," he requested.
How social media responded to Father Goyo's news
Countless social media users banded in support of Father Goyo. As of this writing, he received almost 15,000 likes and more than 3,500 comments on Instagram and Twitter combined.
One user encouraged, "I was diagnosed with stage four endometrial cancer last year. My abdomen was filled with cancer. It had spread to my liver, spleen, Sigmoid colon, and ureter. I had a colostomy for almost seven months. I'm cancer-free today and have no colostomy bag. Many people prayed for me. We're praying for you Father."
Another user encouraged, "Fr, Goyo, Let me encourage you too. At 26 years old, I was diagnosed with tumors that grew out of my blood vessels. Life expectancy is five years. A lifetime of surgeries and by God’s amazing grace, I’m now 73."
Sr. Theresa Aletheia also wrote, "Praying for you, Fr. Goyo."
Father John LoCoco added, "Father, please be assured of my prayers! I will offer some Masses for your healing, too. Godspeed!"
Prayer for the Healing of Cancer
God of healing mercy,
in Jesus your Son
you stretch out your hand
in compassion, restoring
the sinner, healing the sick,
and lifting up those
bowed down.
Embrace us now in your
loving care, particularly
those afflicted with cancer,
for whom this intention
is offered.
May the Spirit of Jesus
bring us all health in soul and body,
that with joy and thanksgiving, we may
praise you for your goodness,
through the same Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Prayer Source: National Shrine of St. Jude