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.