Thank you, dear shepherd

His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. – Matthew 25.21

Francis Cardinal George died today. He was my friend.

Oh, it isn’t like were first-name buddies. In fact, I had spoken to him only a handful of times. But it was enough that he recalled who I was and offered his warm greeting.

We usually met when someone was in need. A fundraiser for a friend stricken with cancer. Our parish school in need of support. An attack on the Church by its critics.

He was a SERIOUS intellectual and a compassionate soul. His judgment was right 101 percent of the time, but he shared his insights with mercy and humility.

The Church is the divine institution with a population of humans. The humans being politics to the table; for some folks he was too liberal – for other too conservative.

To me, he was just right, just Catholic.

He battled cancer for several years. I say him at an event a few months ago and it was clear that the cancer was winning – but only the fight for his body. God took his heart and soul.

 

 

About Jim Fair

Jim Fair is a writer and consultant. He lives in the Chicago area and has a wonderful wife, son and daughter. He enjoys fishing and occasionally catches something. He tries to play the piano and sings a little. In addition to writing for Regnum Christi Live, he blogs at Laughing Catholic. And you can follow him on Twitter: Jim Fair (@fishfair).
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One Response to Thank you, dear shepherd

  1. Cecilia Azcunaga says:

    Thank you Jim! I can say too, that Cardinal George was my friend. Not because we talked every week. Just like you, I only talked to him a few times. But, he always remembered my name and would refer to past conversations. He offered a warm welcome when I first arrived to Chicago. He would encourage me with words of kindness during the years I served as director. When I asked for his advice on moving forward, he was both realistic and supernatural in his approach. He will be missed! But I am happy he finally will receive his reward. He deserves it!!! God bless you!

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