Hip surgery for Cormac

CARDINAI. CORMAC MurphyO'Connor will take a back seat in Christmas celebrations this year as he recovers from a hip replacement operation, writes Christina Fanyll.
As The Catholic Herald went to press, the Cardinal, who is 71, was expected to undergo surgery on his left hip.
A spokesman said the Cardinal would spend 10-12 days in hospital followed by a month's recuperation. He said Cardinal MurphyO'Connor was otherwise in "rude health". "He hasn't been in hospital, apart from visiting the sick, since he was a boy. He's had a slight limp for some months. It's been on the cards."
Westminster Auxiliary Bishop George Stack will celebrate Midnight Mass at Westminster Cathedral.
Auxiliary Bishop James O'Brien will handle day to day administration.