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.
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!