Cardinal George Talks About his Ministry, Life and Facing Death

Interview and Article by Joyce Duriga, Originally Published by The Catholic New World

Cardinal George gives Communion to detainees during a Mass on Christmas Day 2008 at Cook County Department of Corrections, Division 6, a medium-security facility in Chicago. Karen Callaway/Catholic New WorldAs Cardinal George prepared to officially retire as archbishop of Chicago — the first archbishop to live to retirement — he sat down with editor Joyce Duriga to discuss his ministry and the next phase of his life.

Catholic New World: What is your advice for Archbishop Cupich?

Cardinal George: Listen to a lot of people because you get a lot of different voices that tell you a lot of different things. You have to sort it out as best as you can.

CNW: Are you looking forward to retirement? Anything in particular?

Cardinal George: Yes. I’m looking forward to handing over responsibilities that I don’t feel, physically at least, I’m up to any longer. After that we’ll see. What I do or don’t do will depend upon the state of my health.

What I do in public life in the church will depend upon Archbishop Cupich’s decisions. What I’ll do privately in terms of following up on projects — study projects, writing projects — working with different groups that I’m a part of, that will continue depending upon the stamina that I have. 

To read the rest of the interview with Cardinal George, CLICK HERE

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