Glorifying Christ: The Life of Cardinal Francis E. George, O.M.I.

by Michael R. Heinlein

Cardinal Francis E. George, O.M.I., was a model pastor and a heroic disciple of Christ. A native Chicagoan, he was told as a young man that he would never be a priest in Chicago because of a physical disability resulting from polio. He went on to be ordained a priest with the Oblates of Mary Immaculate in 1963. He was appointed as Archbishop of Chicago in 1997, created a cardinal in 1998, and served in Chicago until 2014, just months before his death at the age of 78. 
Cardinal George's many gifts — including his superior intellect — made him a pivotal player in Church affairs nationally and internationally. He governed during difficult and challenging times, yet he always attempted to lead with the heart of Christ, living out his episcopal motto, "To Christ be glory in the Church." 
A man of pastoral availability, Cardinal George poured out his life in service to Christ and the Church, always attentive to the poor and those on the margins. Universally admired for his pursuit and proclamation of the truth, and his personal witness to the Gospel, Cardinal George remains a model for discipleship and leadership. By the time of his death in 2015, Cardinal George was regarded as one of the most respected bishops in American Catholic history. His fascinating and inspiring story reminds us that God's ways are always better than our own.

Genres: Biography

520 pages, Paperback

Published March 6, 2023

Reviews

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Cardinal Francis George, has was the best Cardinal the Archdiocese of Chicago has ever had. This was a good book, but it was not an easy read.

[Peter Nguyen · Rating 4 out of 5]

An extensive biography of a legendary prince of the Church. I’ve learned a great deal about Cardinal Francis George through this work; a very Ratzingerian man, with the same strengths and faults ascribed to the latter.

[Fr. Peter Calabrese · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful tribute to a man, priest, bishop, Cardinal, but most of all a Catholic who desired to follow Christ. His stature is tremendous and few could attain it, but his simplicity allows any priest to aspire to the standard he set. You don’t have to be as smart as him or hold high offices to accept life’s challenges I. The Lord and love one’s life as servant of Christ and servant of His People. His desire for a truly Catholic unity is needed today. While some might say his view has been “exhausted” as he said liberal Catholicism is I think just the opposite is true. While he could not have foreseen what we have today civilly and ecclesiastically in a way he did and his way is the way out of some of the messes we are in. The story is told using his words and actions. He comes through more than the author which I appreciate. Personally while I won’t name them some of his little minor desires I resonate with. Well
Worth the read.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gift to my heart and to the Church.