Saturday, October 05, 2002
Oh God, you're dying.
The Diocese of Southern Morovia
Dear Friends:
Some months ago Jay Murphy and I went with friends to see a local production of "Jesus Christ Superstar" [Correct to "Godspell" - Editor]. I remember that the Cardinal, who often becomes emotionally moved by profound ideas and scenarios, cried twice during the performance.
The first time he cried was when Christ began to celebrate the Last Supper.
The second I noticed him wiping a tear from his eyes was when the disciples sang "Oh God, you're dying," as Christ hung upon the cross.
Yesterday, tears fell from my eyes and I cried "Oh, God...you're dying" when the Cardinal broke the news to me that he had been diagnosed with a terminal illness and that it was unclear how much longer he'd be with us.
I'm at his home today, taking care of a few things for him. He's gone out of town to be alone with himself and to clear his mind of the chaos and torture which he must be experiencing now. He called me today and asked, among other things, if I wouldn't mind breaking the news to his friends--he used the word "friends"--in Morovia. I'm carrying out his wishes.
I cannot say whether or not you'll be hearing from him again. It may be that he'll want to remain involved. Perhaps he'll only want to offer one last goodbye. That will be his decision, of course.
I remember reading that when Pope John Paul I died suddenly after only a few weeks in office, an American Cardinal was quoted as saying that God had placed him in the shepherd's chair just to show everyone his smile for a moment. Perhaps that's why he brought Jay to you for a short while.
I would like to ask each of you to kindly remember him in your thoughts and prayers. I'm sure any messages of goodwill emailed to him would be appreciated.
Peace and God's blessings.
+Angelo Cicatello
"I am with you a little while, a little while and then I am gone."
Edited by: Bishop Angelo Cicatello at: 10/4/02 5:59:52 pm
Reprinted from the Morovian Salon by Bill Bekkenhuis
