Terence Cooke - Illness and Death

Illness and Death

In late August 1983, Cooke revealed his illness to the public; he announced that he was expected to live for a few more months, but would not resign his post. He was on almost constant chemotherapy for the last five years of his life. In an open letter completed only days before his death, he wrote, "The gift of life, God's special gift, is no less beautiful when it is accompanied by illness or weakness, hunger or poverty, mental or physical handicaps, loneliness or old age."

Cooke died from his battle with leukemia in his episcopal residence, at age 62. He is interred in the crypt under the altar of St. Patrick's Cathedral.

Read more about this topic:  Terence Cooke

Famous quotes containing the words illness and/or death:

    To you illness is negligible. You have learned that you can dominate yourself. You know that your body lags, but your soul proceeds upon its triumphant way.
    Alice Foote MacDougall (1867–1945)

    I shall die as my fathers died, and sleep as they sleep; even so.
    For the glass of the years is brittle wherein we gaze for a span;
    A little soul for a little bears up this corpse which is man.
    So long I endure, no longer; and laugh not again, neither weep.
    For there is no God found stronger than death; and death is a sleep.
    —A.C. (Algernon Charles)