Between 40 and 50 kidney transplants take place at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria every year and last week one of them was made possible by Msgr. Eric Powell, pastor of Epiphany Parish in Normal.

Msgr. Powell, 45, donated one of his kidneys to an Epiphany parishioner during a two-hour surgery on Easter Monday. He was up and walking the same day and was discharged by his surgeon, Dr. Fred Braastad, on Wednesday.

He declined to identify the recipient, other than to say her own family members were not able to make the donation themselves due to their health histories.

“There’s always a chance that it could fail. I was encouraged, however, when the doctor told me I had a very nice looking kidney,” Msgr. Powell told The Catholic Post during an interview in his hospital room on April 14. “He said . . . it’s even now proving to be of benefit to the recipient and I praise God for that.”

Msgr. Powell’s recovery process is expected to take four to six weeks, although he is quick to add that it will take much longer for the person who received the kidney.

Msgr. Powell had the support of Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC, who “spoke some gracious words to me and encouraged me. They’re still ringing in my ears.”

He also had the support of Epiphany’s 1,600 families, whom he has served since 2002, although they didn’t know what he was considering until Easter.

When it became obvious that the surgery would take place and that he would be absent for several weeks, he put a long article in the parish bulletin to explain the process and his decision.

“Afterward many people said they would be praying for me and encouraging me,” he said, explaining that he decided not to do more because it was Easter. “Our focus was on the resurrection.”

Msgr. Powell asked people to ponder how they can help others and suggested they look into organizations like Gift of Hope.

“It’s just amazing what happens when you put a little information in your hands and realize you can make a difference in somebody’s life,” he said.