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Vatican City (RNS) Pope Benedict XVI has prayed that Eunice Kennedy Shriver receive eternal reward for her service on behalf of the mentally and physically disabled, according to the Vatican.
Shriver, the sister of the late President John F. Kennedy and Sen. Robert Kennedy, as well as current Sen. Ted Kennedy, died Tuesday (Aug. 11) at age 88. Her family said she had been suffering from strokes.
The Catholic woman helped found the Special Olympics, organizing the first games in 1968, having been personally touched by the plight of the mentally disabled after her experiences with her sister Rosemary Kennedy.
“It is the Holy Father’s fervent prayer that the good Lord, who is never outdone in generosity, will grant this woman of ardent faith and generous public service the reward of her many labors,” read a letter from the Vatican to Shriver’s family, “particularly on behalf of those who are physically and mentally challenged.”
The letter, which was released to the Associated Press, was written by Archbishop Pietro Sambi, the Holy See’s ambassador to the United States, and sent on Monday after reports that Shriver was critically ill.
“His Holiness unites himself spiritually with each of you at this difficult time, holding close Eunice as she is called home to eternal life and trusting in the words of Sacred Scripture: What will separate us from the love of Christ?” the letter said.
By Paul Virgo
Copyright 2009 Religion News Service. All rights reserved. No part of this transmission may be distributed or reproduced without written permission.
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posted August 11, 2009 at 8:26 pm
And just what would be the nature of this “eternal reward”? Surely not just being in heaven; in Catholic theory all good Catholics will get that. Will she get extra turns in line to kiss God’s hem? What?
Note I’m kidding the Pope and his pretensions, not Ms. Shriver, who did some good things with her life.
posted August 11, 2009 at 8:57 pm
I’m sure Benny has a direct line to his boss.
)
And I’m pretty that if there is a giant reward, Ms. Shriver will get it.
posted August 11, 2009 at 8:58 pm
OOPS: And I’m pretty SURE….
posted August 12, 2009 at 11:32 am
I think God would welcome Mrs. Shriver home and tell her, “Good Job Done, Eunice”! He doesn’t need any prompting from anyone on earth. Just a thank you for the work she accomplished is enough from earth people.
posted August 12, 2009 at 1:49 pm
The Pope prays for a Catholic woman and her family, and even that prompts criticism from this crowd.. amazing.
posted August 12, 2009 at 3:26 pm
Saying it like it is, Bob, just saying it like it is.
posted August 12, 2009 at 7:02 pm
Is it any more amazing then the RC believing that the Catholic Relgion is the only way to salvation, Bob?
posted August 13, 2009 at 7:01 pm
As has been pointed out elsewhere the RCC has a large bad impact on the rest of us so I’m prepared to excuse anyone who points out how silly it is.