Father Cesar Galan is a beloved and popular member of the staff at St. Francis Medical Center in Lynwood, California, where he serves as the hospital’s chaplain. As he wheels through the halls visiting patients, it’s a full circle experience for Galan, 52, who was once a patient at St. Francis during one of the worst times in his life.

In 2001, while at a friend’s house, Galan — then in his late 20s — and his brother were shot multiple times in a gang-related confrontation. They were rushed to St. Francis, where his brother tragically passed away and Galan sustained a T4 spinal cord injury.

Galan, who was working as a truck driver at the time of the shooting, felt lost and uncertain about his future. It was during this time of deep personal struggle that he experienced a moment of clarity and faith that changed the course of his life. “While I was in the hospital, I struck up a friendship with the chaplain. When I looked at him, I saw something that I really wanted in my life — and that was peace. That peace led me to say yes to God,” says Galan. A year after the shooting, he began volunteering as a chaplain at St. Francis.

After years of volunteering, he became a religious brother and eventually entered the seminary to become a priest. “I spent seven years studying at the seminary. They were very welcoming. Everywhere I needed to go, they made sure it was accessible for me,” says Galan. In 2023, he was ordained and became Los Angeles’ first paraplegic priest. Today, he divides his time between hospital chaplaincy and parish work at St. Raymond Catholic Church in Downey, California.

“In my darkest days, I couldn’t imagine myself doing this work. I have no hate for the person who killed my brother and paralyzed me, because my vocation came from that tragedy. I don’t think I would have had this vocation, had I not gone through that experience.”

4:30 a.m. I’m an early riser. I live in a rectory on the church property with four other priests. I begin my day with personal prayer and coffee. Having been raised in a Catholic family, I remember watching my father say the rosary on his knees and teaching us how to pray.

At St. Raymond’s we have Mass daily. After morning prayer, I look over today’s gospel readings and prepare my homily.

6:30 a.m. As the processional music signals the start of Mass, I begin to make my way to the altar. Despite being built in 1958, the church only needed minor accommodations for me, like adding a ramp so I have access to the altar. Going to Mass and receiving the Eucharist is my favorite part — it keeps me grounded. Following Mass, I greet parishioners and I hear confession.

10 a.m. I work four days at the parish and two days at the hospital. Luckily, I only have a 2-mile commute from the rectory to the hospital. I drive a Toyota 4Runner with hand controls. Upon arriving at the hospital, I receive a printout of all the Catholic patients that were admitted the night before. There can be anywhere between 20-35 patients I need to visit.

12 p.m. I also receive referrals from staff of non-Catholic patients who could benefit from a visit. I usually let the patient lead the conversation. Sometimes the patients just want to talk, other times I just stop to pray with them.

St. Francis Medical Center is a small trauma hospital in a low-income neighborhood. I often see a lot of gang members there who have been shot. When they see me in my wheelchair, there is an immediate unspoken understanding, and it helps me have an instant connection with them. I try to help them focus on what they can still do, and that is to live a life that is meaningful and fulfilling.

1 p.m. Parish life can be very busy. Throughout the week I have a number of pastoral responsibilities. For example, I might be providing spiritual counseling to married couples, helping parents who are having a difficult time with their children, or preparing people to receive the Holy Sacraments.

5 p.m. I don’t eat at home often. I usually go out with friends for sushi or something. Sometimes parishioners will ask me to go out or invite me to their home to have dinner. The evenings I am home, I’m in front of the TV if there is a Lakers or Dodgers game on. I also love to read.

7 p.m. My days can be long because basically I’m on call. At any time throughout the day, I could be called to a nursing home or hospital to administer last rites. I often find the person who is dying has accepted it, but it’s the family who has not. I usually end up spending more time with the family providing prayer and comfort — thankful they are able to open themselves up to me during this difficult time in their lives.

8:30 p.m. I usually begin my evening prayers around 8 p.m. and I’m in bed by 8:30 p.m. so I’m well rested for the next day.

Fun Facts

What types of books do you enjoy: A lot of spiritual reading and history, especially about the Roman Empire.

Place you would love to visit: Spain

Biggest Challenge: Accepting my disability was one of the most difficult things for me. But as soon as I was able to accept it, I was able to create a plan in my mind and move forward.