Buddhist Catholic Contemplative Evangelical General Christian Hindu Jewish Latter-day Saint Muslim New Visions Progressive Christian

Beliefs

Topics

Columnists

Resource Library

Research Tools

Video

Podcasts

Thought Readers

Faith In Media Tracker

Newsletters

Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In Subscription Support

Follow Patheos

Catholic News

Home

Home
Catholic
Religion News
For Cardinal George, God’s grace is bigger than cancer

For Cardinal George, God’s grace is bigger than cancer

Last updated on: February 4, 2015 at 12:43 am by CNA Daily News

For Cardinal George, God’s grace is bigger than cancer 2015-02-04T00:43:00+00:00 CNA Daily News

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Chicago, Ill., Feb 3, 2015 / 05:43 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- Despite the uncertainty that comes with cancer, Cardinal Francis George, the retired Archbishop of Chicago, says his days are filled with gratitude and efforts to build physical strength.

“I’m in the hands of God, as we all are,” the cardinal reflected at a Jan. 30 press conference.

The cardinal spoke to members of the media at the Four Seasons Hotel in Chicago shortly after receiving the Gaudium et Spes Award, the highest honor granted by the Knights of Columbus.

Cardinal George led the Archdiocese of Chicago for more than 15 years. He in retired in 2014 amid a battle with cancer, and was succeeded by Archbishop Blase Cupich.

The 78-year-old cardinal took part in a clinical trial conducted by University of Chicago Medicine, but ended the trial when it proved ineffective.

Cardinal George said that the transition into retirement has gone well. He is still informed about things going on in the archdiocese and able to pray for the people, even though he is no longer in a decision-making role. In addition, he still regularly hears confessions at the cathedral.

The cardinal voiced gratitude for his life and ability to generally maintain a schedule, although it often revolves around doctor appointments.

“Much of my life is now determined by my state of health,” he said, adding that when he does have to cancel an event, people are understanding.

Still, there is much uncertainty about his future, particularly regarding the progression of his cancer. With treatments proving ineffective and no known cure, “they’ve run out of tricks in the bag,” he said with a small laugh.

Asked about his current use of crutches to walk, he explained that his legs have been weak for all his adult life, because he contracted polio as a young teenager and never fully recovered. His recent rounds of chemo prevented him from exercising, and his muscles atrophied as a result.

However, he does physical therapy daily and is working to regain strength in his legs.

The cardinal also revealed that he has written several letters to Pope Francis, the most recent being about two weeks ago.

These letters usually contain a general update, he said, noting that the Pope wrote him a note on Oct. 4, the feast day of St. Francis, whose name they share.

Regarding the upcoming consistory – a gathering of cardinals in Rome being held in mid-February – Cardinal George said his attendance will be determined by his health.

“I intend to go. I want to go,” he said. However, he acknowledged that “Rome is a difficult city for those who are disabled.”

Ultimately, the decision will be based on his physical stamina and strength.

“If I feel that I will be too sick to contribute, I won’t go.”

Cardinal George is the 11th person to receive the Knights of Columbus’ Gaudium et Spes Award, named after the Second Vatican Council’s pastoral constitution on the Church in the modern world.

The cardinal thanked the Knights for all the work that they do in his archdiocese and across the world.

As part of the honor, he was given a $100,000 award, which he plans to give to Catholic Charities in the archdiocese, as well as local Catholic schools.

Former recipients of the award include Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta and Cardinal John O'Connor of New York.

With 1.8 million members around the globe, the Knights of Columbus is world's largest Catholic fraternal organization.

Founded in 1882 by the Venerable Father Michael J. McGivney, the Knights donated more than $170 million and 70 million hours of service to charitable causes last year.

Both Cardinal George and Archbishop Cupich have been members of the Knights of Columbus for decades. Archbishop Cupich gave the invocation at the award ceremony, and Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore, Supreme Chaplain of the Knights of Columbus, read the award’s citation.

Supreme Knight Carl Anderson reflected on the awarding of the Knights' highest honor to Cardinal George.

“The Cities of Yakima, Portland and Chicago were blessed to have Cardinal George as their bishop and spiritual leader," he said. "And his leadership has benefited not only those cities in which he served, but the Knights of Columbus and Catholics across the United States."

“Both in his brilliant speeches, homilies, letters and books, and in the brave witness to the faith that he has shown to the world – in sickness and in health – Cardinal George has proven over and over again one of the leading voices in the Catholic Church in the United States, and the Knights of Columbus is pleased to be able to honor him in this way for the great work he has done for so long,” Anderson stated.

Previous Post

February 4, 2015

What frightens disability groups about Colorado's 'death with dignity' bill

Next Post

February 4, 2015 Cape Verde, Africa is getting its first cardinal

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Americas Asia - Pacific Europe Middle East - Africa Uncategorized US Vatican

Select a Month November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

Who dreamed about the sun, moon, and stars bowing to him?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Daniel Joseph Adam Elijah