Saturday, September 29, 2012

Cardinal George Cancels October Trip to Rome

Francis Cardinal George has decided to cancel his trip to Rome next month as he undergoes chemotherapy and adjusts his schedule accordingly.

In mid-August the Archdiocese of Chicago announced the discovery of cancer in the Cardinal's kidney and liver, six years after he battled bladder cancer.

George undergoes chemotherapy once a week and was scheduled to visit Rome for most of October to attend a synod with Pope Benedict XVI and the 50th anniversary of Vatican II on Oct. 11.   

The cardinal is still honoring many of his local events, though. 

Spokeswoman Colleen Dolan notes that thought "he may not do a receiving line," he believes in the "power of prayer and he is very strong, mentally and physically."  

Dolan says the Cardinal doesn't want the focus on him and while he has "cut back a tiny bit," he is keeping up with his overall schedule.

The Cardinal delivers the homily next Sunday at what's known as the "Red Mass" at the 9:30 a.m. at Holy Name. 

The "Red Mass" is celebrated each year for judges, attorneys and others in the legal profession on the eve of the opening of the U.S. Supreme Court's new session.