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The Catholic New World

Father John Canary
Vicar General
‘An important moment of faith’

By Michelle Martin
Staff writer

When Cardinal George underwent surgery for bladder cancer July 27, Father John Canary, the viar general, told reporters, “Obviously, it’s an important medical moment for the cardinal and it’s an important moment of faith for all of us.”

From the time news of the cardinal’s cancer was released July 26, he asked the Catholic faithful and everyone else for prayers—a request that was met with prayer vigils and services at Holy Name Cathedral, in Catholic churches and in other houses of worship.

Dr. Myles Sheehan, Cardinal George’s personal physician and a Jesuit priest, noted that the cardinal’s pathology report was released on July 31, the feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola—patron of Loyola University Medical Center and founder of the Jesuits. With the pathology report showing the cancer had not spread beyond the bladder and ureters, Sheehan thanked God.

“I give thanks and honor to God for this result and I ask God to continue to care for the cardinal and the Archdiocese of Chicago,” Sheehan said.

Asked about the outpouring of prayer for From Page 1



Cardinal George, Sheehan responded:

“I’d talk more about God’s providence,” he said. “Just think how many people thought about the action of God in the world and were willing to raise their hearts and minds to God for this man, whether they are Catholic or not, whether they like the cardinal or not. Faith is recognizing the action of God and being open to God in this world. Cardinal George’s illness has allowed that to be present in a really remarkable way.”

Prayers included the rosary and Benediction led by retired and auxiliary bishops at Holy Name Cathedral every hour from 8 p.m. until midnight July 27.

Andrew and Janet Hagen brought their 18-month-old daughter Thérèse to the 5:15 Mass at the cathedral that day. Parishioners at both the cathedral and St. John Cantius, the family feels particularly close to the cardinal.

“We just saw him Sunday (July 23) and asked him for a blessing,” Andrew Hagen said. “He was so humble.”

“I firmly believe that God can do miracles through prayer,” Janet Hagen said, adding that they felt compelled to come and offer the Mass up for the cardinal.

Those who attended the evening services said they felt united with the cardinal when they prayed.

“We wanted to show our support,” said Jade Giacobbe, a member of the Focolare Movement, which asked its members to come for the first rosary and Benediction, led by Auxiliary Bishop John Manz. Members of other movements were planning to attend other services, with honor guards provided by the Knights of Columbus.

“We wanted to be with him at this time,” Giacobbe said. “He’s been a wonderful example of how to accept suffering.”

The Rev. Stan Davis, a minister in the United Church of Christ and former executive director of the Chicago region of the National Conference for Community and Justice, also attended the service with Barbara Abrajano, the current executive director.

“I have known Cardinal George ever since he came as archbishop,” said Davis, now president and CEO of Interfaith Connections. A prostate cancer survivor himself, Davis said, he felt a need to come to the cathedral to pray for his friend.

The cardinal has participated in and strengthened interfaith bonds, working with the NCCJ and the Council of Religious Leaders of Metropolitan Chicago, Davis said.

“He has earned not just my respect but my love. He has the prayers of not just Catholics, but other Christians, Jews and Muslims, Hindus and Buddhists and everyone else in the interfaith community.”

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