UPDATE: Beloved Royal Oak Priest Dies

BREAKING: Sunday, 4 p.m.: Read Beloved Royal Oak Priest Dies.

Friday, 5:30 p.m.: There will be another rosary prayer service for Msgr. William Easton on Monday, December 30 at 8 p.m. in the National Shrine of the Little Flower church.  As of Friday, there is no change in his condition, according to the National Shrine of the Little Flower website.

Thursday, 11 p.m.: The National Shrine of the Little Flower website continues to ask for prayers for Msgr. William Easton, 69, who was rushed to the hospital on Dec. 20. 

Here is the latest update:

"As of Thursday, Dec. 26, there has been no change in Monsignor Easton’s status. He is still in critical condition in the hospital.  Please continue to offer prayers for his healing and recovery."

Monday, 11:30 a.m.: "Prayer warriors" are needed, according to the Archdiocese of Detroit.

"We cannot stress enough that prayers are needed for Msgr. Easton," said Joe Kohn, director of public relations at the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Detroit.

William Easton, 69, the pastor of the National Shrine of the Little Flower was rushed to the hospital on Friday. 

Other than stating that the Archdiocese is aware of the situation and that prayers are needed for a healthy recovery, Kohn had no further details he could offer at this time.

"When the parish is ready to make a statement, you can be assured they will post something to their website," he said.
 
Sunday, 7 p.m.: A rosary service will be held Monday at 8 p.m. in the National Shrine of the Little Flower church for Msgr. William Easton.  

The website for the National Shrine of the Little Flower posted this updated statement on Sunday night:

"Monsignor is still in intensive care at the hospital.  The family has requested that no visitors come to the hospital.  As you can imagine this is a very difficult time for them and while they are truly grateful for the outpouring of love and support, the intensive care unit is restricting access to family only."

Sunday, 5 p.m.: Members of St. Mary Catholic Church in Royal Oak signed a large get well card after masses on Sunday for Msgr. William Easton, 69, the pastor of the National Shrine of the Little Flower, 2100 W. 12 Mile Rd.

One St. Mary parishioner wrote: "Heal fast. The flock needs you."

Before coming to Shrine in 1996, Easton was an associate pastor and co-pastor of St. Mary from 1970 to 1974. 

Easton was rushed to the hospital on Friday. Sources say he possibly suffered a heart attack. Beaumont Hospital would not comment on the priest's condition, saying the matter is private.

Ned McGrath, director of communications for the Archdiocese of Detroit did not immediately return phone calls.

The website for the National Shrine of the Little Flower made this statement:

"We ask your prayers today for Monsignor Easton who was taken to the hospital on Friday evening and is currently in intensive care. As more information is known, we will provide updates on this website."

Easton was born and raised in Detroit. He was ordained on June 14, 1970. Easton was created an Honorary Prelate of the Church as a Monsignor in 1990.