Cardinal George Celebrates Final Mass As Chicago Archbishop
(CBS) -- For more than 17 years Francis Cardinal George has guided the religious community. Today, marks the last services he'll do so with that title.
The cardinal was showered with well wishes from parishioners at Holy Name Cathedral and he reflected on the legacy in Chicago.
CBS 2's Derrick Blakley reports at Cardinal George's last Mass as Archbishop, change was in the air. The cathedral bulletin portrays incoming Archbishop Blase Cupich. Change was on the minds of parishioners, as well.
"It's like the end of an era. There's not really much better way of thanking him than attending mass," said parishioner Karen Lloyd.
"I'll miss his masses," said parishioner Kate Williams. "I'll miss his kindnesses and his teachings."
Hundreds wanted to be there just to say goodbye the man who's led the archdiocese for 17 years.
"The people of the archdiocese are what I point to, when the media and others ask, 'What is your legacy?'" George said.
People he hopes have grown in faith and charity due to his ministry.
"If those gifts have come from Christ, they're not mine, have grown because I have been able to be part of their lives, then that's my legacy, that growth in Christ's love," he said.
Parishioners at Holy Name presented Cardinal George with a bound volume of their well-wishes for him in his retirement.
"If there are moments when I'm a little low, I'll bring them out and be cheered, I'm sure," George said.
Many parishioners at the cardinal's Mass today felt they were witnessing history. No other Chicago archbishop has had a planned last mass because all the others have died in their post.
Chicago Catholics' next spiritual leader, Bishop Blase Cupich, will be installed as archbishop Tuesday. CBS 2 and CBSChicago.com will carry the installation mass live with coverage beginning at 2 p.m.