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904802

Richard Cardinal Cushing

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Richard James Cushing, 1895-1970.  Archbishop of Boston, 1944-1970; Roman Catholic Cardinal, 1958-1970.  Typed Letter Signed, Richard Cardinal Cushing, one page, 8½" x 7¾", on stationery of the Cardinal's Residence, Brighton, Massachusetts, April 24, 1968.

Cushing sends thanks for "good wishes and prayerful mementos" during his hospitalization for his "many ailments."  He writes, in full:  “Immediately after returning from the hospital I received your good wishes and prayerful mementos.  My heart goes out to you with love, blessings and gratitude.  /  I spent five or six days in the hospital due to my many ailments.  God's Will be done!  I suffer much but suffering is one thing that certainly registers in the Kingdom of Heaven.  /  Assuring you of a share in all my sufferings and extending to you and all near and dear to you my love, blessings and prayerful mementos, I am  /  Your ever-grateful and devoted friend . . . "

Cushing is perhaps best known for his friendship with the Kennedy family.  He officiated at the wedding of then Senator John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Lee Bouvier in 1953, at which he also read a special prayer from Pope Pius XII.  He delivered the invocation at Kennedy's inauguration as President of the United States in 1961.  He celebrated the funeral mass for the Kennedys' infant son, Patrick, who lived only two days in August 1963, and three months later he likewise celebrated President Kennedy's funeral mass at St. Matthew's Cathedral in Washington, D.C.

Cushing was a member of the conclave of Cardinals that selected Pope Paul VI in 1963 following the death of Pope John XXIII, who had made Cushing a Cardinal in 1958. 

This letter comes with a postcard photograph of Cardinal Cushing by renowned photographer Fabian Bachrach that is suitable for framing with the letter.

The letter is in very fine condition.  It has one normal mailing fold and an unobtrusive crease at the upper right, well removed from the signature. Cushing has signed a 4" signature in black fountain pen.

Unframed.

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