Nov. 15--Days before Cardinal Francis George plans to step down as Chicago's archbishop, he spoke of forgiveness at a Mass to remember clergy who have died in the last year.
Friday's annual memorial Mass at Holy Name Cathedral was one of the final times George presided over a full Mass as the archdiocese's leader. Archdiocese officials said a Mass on Sunday will be the final time.
The search for George's successor began earlier this year after he announced he was fighting his third bout of cancer. Bishop Blase Cupich, 65, of Spokane, Wash., was named successor in September and will take over Tuesday during an installation ceremony.
Still using crutches because of a tumor pressing against veins and causing his leg to swell, George, 77, was able to walk up the aisle Friday at the start of Mass but remained seated for most of the service. He stood at the altar to pray over the Eucharist, but sat as he delivered his homily.
In his remarks, George recognized Friday's anniversary of the death of Cardinal Joseph Bernardin who died of pancreatic cancer in 1996. He also called for Catholics to pray for all the dead, especially those in the clergy who died in the past year. The names of those priests and deacons in the archdiocese were read after George's remarks.
George said forgiveness at death is important because everyone makes mistakes -- even clergy. And the "spiritual dimension" of humans live forever.
"Here is where we know we have some work to do," he said. "Whose life is perfect?"
But, George said, even sins that are forgiven have consequences. "I know the impact our sins have."
Last week, George ordered the release of once-secret documents of 36 priests accused of child sexual abuse. In a statement, George said the archdiocese was "concerned first and foremost with bringing healing to abuse victims."
"We cannot change the past but we hope we can rebuild trust through honest and open dialogue," George said in the statement. "Child abuse is a crime and a sin."
The sex abuse scandal in the Catholic Church is just one of the controversial issues George had to address during his 17-year tenure. Parishioner Barbara Dubbs, of Chicago, praised the cardinal for his handling of a time that she recalls as one of the most difficult for the church.
"He did the best job he could," said Dubbs, who attended the memorial Mass to see George, but also to honor Bernardin.
She also said she planned to attend Mass on Sunday at Holy Name to see George for a final time. "It's another thread in history."
Friday's midday service drew a crowd of about 100, including Mary Oleniczak, of Grand Rapids, Mich., who was in Chicago for the day to shop with friends.
"It is an honor," she said of her attendance. The group of friends got off a bus at a nearby stop, realized George would be presiding over Mass, and decided to attend. The group attends church back home with George's sister, they said.
"It was God," Oleniczak said of the coincidence.
kthayer@tribpub.com
