The Rt. Rev. Andrew H. Fairfield, newly retired Bishop of North Dakota, was critically injured Oct. 14 when he struck the side of his head on a canoe he was attempting to secure to the roof of his car.

After Bishop Fairfield complained of a headache, his wife, Sally, took him to the nearest hospital in Park Rapids, Minn., where he soon lost consciousness. From there he was flown by helicopter to MeritCare Hospital in Fargo, N.D. Doctors in Fargo diagnosed bleeding on the brain and performed emergency surgery to relieve internal pressure and to repair a ruptured blood vessel. During surgery, several people from the diocese were at the hospital to comfort Mrs. Fairfield and to pray for the bishop’s recovery.

By Oct. 17, Bishop Fairfield had regained consciousness and was breathing without the aid of a ventilator. Although the prognosis remains guarded, prospects appear good for a recovery.

Bishop Fairfield retired as Bishop of North Dakota on Aug. 15. He and his wife had announced their intention to live in spiritual semi-seclusion for at least a year at their Minnesota cabin.