Just last year I had the opportunity to reflect on Cardinal Cupich’s wide-reaching impact as we celebrated his 10th anniversary as the archbishop of Chicago and as chancellor of Catholic Extension Society. Now as he marks 50 years of priesthood, it is incredible to think about where his journey as a priest has taken him in just the past year.
Cardinal Cupich took part in a historic conclave that resulted in the election of our first pope from the United States — Chicago’s own Pope Leo XIV. I was in Rome in May to witness this grace-filled moment in our church and rejoice in its unexpected outcome of an American pope.
On that day, I noticed Cardinal Cupich emerge from the side balcony on the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica with the other cardinal electors, ready to greet the new, yet-unnamed pope. Our cardinal could be seen on the jumbotron in St. Peter’s Square with an enormous grin on his face, signaling that the Holy Spirit had just accomplished something truly extraordinary.
In his post-conclave press conference, Cardinal Cupich’s grin remained as he quipped, “This was my first conclave and I hope my last, so ‘Viva il Papa!’” The room of journalists roared with laughter.
The cardinal’s levity and sincerity go hand in hand. Ever since I met him 17 years ago, we have laughed often, but we have always accomplished great things.
In 2008, when I was new as president of Catholic Extension Society, I was at a national meeting of lay ecclesial ministers. The keynote speaker at the event was the bishop of Rapid City, South Dakota: Bishop Blase Cupich. I listened to him give a masterful talk on the theological and spiritual grounding of lay ecclesial ministry. As he spoke, I imagined what a blessing it would be to have a thought leader like him on Catholic Extension Society’s Board of Governors.
He enthusiastically said “yes” to joining our board, and immediately became the chairman of our Mission Committee, tasked with listening to the hopes, dreams and needs of faith communities served by Catholic Extension Society throughout the country. Bishop Cupich brilliantly served in this capacity even after he moved from Rapid City to the Diocese of Spokane, Washington, in 2010. Still, he personally attended every meeting in Chicago.
In September 2014, I remember how thrilled I was when I saw the news that Pope Francis had chosen our own Bishop Cupich to lead the church of Chicago. In that role, he would also become the ex officio chancellor of Catholic Extension Society.
He shares our passion for our mission, which touches the lives of 15 million Catholics spanning 40 states and territories from Alaska to Puerto Rico. He is a source of constant encouragement, urging us to keep listening to people’s hopes and dreams. Even better, he brings courage and resoluteness in times of uncertainty and difficulty.
He encouraged us to launch a mission immersion program that allows pastors to experience the beauty of the church’s missionary frontiers in this country, an initiative that has now expanded to 77 dioceses and 500 parishes. He also spearheaded Catholic Extension Society’s recovery program in Puerto Rico, in response to Pope Francis’ request.
This spring, Cardinal Cupich and I attended the groundbreaking ceremony at San Juan Cathedral, the oldest cathedral and active parish in the United States. Now, construction is underway across the island, as we work toward our ultimate goal of restoring 600 damaged Catholic churches and schools in Puerto Rico.
Additionally, during his time as our chancellor, the financial impact of Catholic Extension Society’s partnership with Catholic communities across the country has exceeded $1 billion — more than any other period of our storied history.
Journeying with Cardinal Cupich has allowed us to be front-row witnesses of the movement of God’s Spirit in our time in history within our country and our world. This is as an exciting a time as ever, as we look to see how Cardinal Cupich will continue to serve as a leader under the guidance of Pope Leo XIV.
As we reflect on the past but keep our eyes on the future, Catholic Extension Society is elated to celebrate 50 years of the gift of Cardinal Cupich’s ministry within our church.