The Gift of Peace: Personal Reflections

by Joseph Bernardin

Joseph Cardinal Bernardin's gentle leadership throughout his life of ministerial service had made him an internationally beloved figure, but the words he left behind about his final journey would change the lives of many more people from all faiths, from all backgrounds, and from all over the world.

In the last two months of his life, Joseph Cardinal Bernardin made it his ultimate mission to share his personal reflections and insights as a legacy to those he left behind.   The Gift of Peace reveals the Cardinal's spiritual growth amid a string of traumatic events: a false accusation of sexual abuse; reconciliation a year later with his accuser, who had earlier recanted the charges; a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer and surgery; the return of cancer, now in his liver; his decision to discontinue chemotherapy and live his remaining days as fully as possible.  In these pages, Bernardin tells his story openly and honestly, and shares the profound peace he came to at the end of his life.  He accepted his peace as a gift from God, and he in turn now shares that gift with the world.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Catholic, Biography, Memoir, Christianity

176 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

Joseph Louis Bernardin (originally Bernardini) (April 2, 1928 – November 14, 1996) was an American Cardinal of the Catholic Church. He served as President of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, as well as Archbishop of Chicago from 1982 until his death in 1996.

Bernardin's original academic ambition was to become a physician, inspiring him to enroll in the pre-medical program at the University of South Carolina. However, a year later, Bernardin recognized his calling to serve as a Catholic priest, and transferred to Saint Mary Seminary in Baltimore, Maryland. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy in 1948, and subsequently enrolled in the Catholic University of America to complete his theological studies. On April 26, 1952, Bernardin was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Charleston by John J. Russell at St. Joseph Church.

In the Consistory of February 2, 1983, he was elevated to the Sacred College of Cardinals by Pope John Paul II as Cardinal-Priest of Gesù Divino Lavoratore (Jesus the Divine Worker) as his titular church.

* bio excerpt from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_B...

Reviews

[Charles Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joseph Cardinal Bernardin of Chicago died in 1996. He left this book as a spiritual will for those who walk the path of suffering - whether just dealing with pain and disability or facing death. I bought it on the recommendation of someone who knew I was looking for something to accept the chronic pain in my spine and leg that I've had for several years. I'm not the self-help-book type but I've found these spiritual books on the nature of God and suffering have helped - each one in a different way. I read this just after priest friend of mind asked me if I trusted in God in the trial I've been facing. I said I did. The Gift of Peace helped me to understand how that trust can relieve a great deal of the burden that comes when health deserts us. I'm not sure how a non-Christian or a non-believer will react to this book. I think being a Christian helps to make sense of what Bernardin was trying to impart. I don't believe in God because it makes life easier but of late that belief in God has made the current state of affairs easier to do deal with. This quote from Matthew is key to The Gift of Peace: 28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

[Anne Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Each time I put this book down I was left with a deep sense of peace. Simply and beautifully written, there's so much to learn from this man who so deeply loved Jesus and desired to serve and shepherd His people every day.

[Rose Godwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reflections from a loving, devout, and deeply caring man. I picked this up to help bring me some peace when feeling anxious, and it was perfect.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

If ever you think things are bad . . . read this. The memoirs of a man dying of pancreatic cancer while trying to heal others really puts one's own trials in perspective. How do you forgive the person who wronged you? How do you find peace in times of pain? How do you pray when you cannot even catch your breath?
This was given to me by a dear friend who was dying of cancer with the caveat--I was not to loan it, only to give it as a gift. I encourage you to tread the same path . . .

[Faith Flaherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Gift of Peace by Joseph Cardinal Bernardin is a little book. It is a memoir of his last three years of life. I thought this book would be an archaic meditation that would go over my head. I approached it as a daily meditative penitential sacrifice. 50 pages later, I couldn't put it down. I almost read it all in one sitting.

Cardinal Bernardin honestly brings the reader through his worst times--the three last years of his life. He explains how he started out to study to be a medical doctor but heeded the call to be a priest. He always was a prayerful man and tried to do his best. Then he was hit with an accusation. Thankfully, the person recanted. Then he was hit with a cancer diagnosis. He thought he was cured, but cancer struck again. The cancer won.

Throughout these ideals, Bernardin prays. He accepts. He makes the best of it.

I enjoyed the little personal asides. The Cardinal enjoyed hand writing notes and personally answering letters. He tried his best to respond to everyone, by phone, personal visit, or writing. He even wrote the title, and ended the book with, "Peace and love." This is how he lived--with peace and love.

[Patrick Barry · Rating 3 out of 5]

The cardinal wrote this book facing a death sentence from pancreatic cancer that spread. In his book, Bernardin sees suffering as a means towards God's graces. I generally buy into that. The book, however, is a good read, not an exceptional one. I give it three stars and hope the author is right.

[Steven H · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE FINAL THOUGHTS OF THE PROMINENT AMERICAN CARDINAL

Cardinal Joseph Bernardin wrote in the ‘Personal Letter to the Reader’ of this 1997 book, “I have decided to write this very personal letter explaining why I have written this little book, ‘The Gift of Peace.’ It is not an autobiography but simply a reflection on my life and ministry during the past three years, years that have been as joyful as they have been difficult. My reflections begin with the allegations of misconduct brought against me November 1993 and continue to the present as I prepare for the last stage of my life which began in June 1995 with the diagnosis of an aggressive form of cancer… ‘It has been the best of times, it has been the worst of times.’ The WORST because of the humiliation, physical pain, anxiety and fear. The BEST because of the reconciliation, love, pastoral sensitivity and peace that have resulted from God’s grace and the support and prayers of so many people. While not denying the former, this reflection focuses on the latter, showing how, if we let him, God can write straight with crooked line. To put it another way, this reflection is intended to help others understand how the good and the bad are always present in our human condition and, that if we ‘let go,’ if we place ourselves totally in the hands of the Lord, the good will prevail… In invite those who read this book to walk with me the final miles of my life’s journey. When we reach the gate, I will have to go in first---that seems to be the rule: one at a time by designation. But know that I will carry each of you in my heart! Ultimately, we will all be together, ultimately united with the Lord Jesus who we love so much.”

In the opening chapter, he states, “One theme that rises to the surface more than any other takes on new meaning for me now---the theme of letting go. By letting go, I mean the ability to release from our grasp those things that inhibit us from developing an intimate relationship with the Lord Jesus. Letting go is never easy. Indeed, it is a lifelong process. But letting go is possible if we understand the importance of opening our hearts and, above all else, developing a healthy prayer life. It has taken me a lifetime to learn these truths…” (Pg. 3)

He notes that in November 1993, “I would be served papers the next morning charging that, when I was Archbishop of Cincinnati, I sexually abused a seminarian. The accusation startled and devastated me.” (Pg. 19) He continues, “Steven Cook… claimed that he was led to my bedroom in 1975 and forced to submit to a sex act. Who… was this person, and why was he accusing me of something that he must have known, as I did, never took place? I then recalled … this same person had already brought complaints … against a priest who was on the faculty of St. Gregory’s Seminary. I began to surmise that, in Steven’s judgment, he had not received a satisfactory response… [so] his lawyer had decided to bring me into the case since I was Archbishop at the time. Later, Steven would tell me how this came about.” (Pg. 21) He adds, “I immediately wrote the following statement: … ‘I state categorically: I have never abused anyone in all my life, any time, any place.’” (Pg. 23)

He recounts, “Steven Cook’s own difficult life. His brief unhappy period in the Cincinnati seminary had been followed by an estrangement from the Church and a drift not a promiscuous lifestyle. He was suffering from AIDS… He was the sheep who had been lost, and, as a shepherd, I knew that I had to seek him out.” (Pg. 33) He met with Steven Cook, who told him that “with what he described as a poorly trained therapist, he thought that he had recaptured memories of my abusing him and went along with including me in the suit… ‘You know,’ I said, ‘that I never abused you.’ … Steven nodded. ‘Yes,’ he replied, ‘I know that, and I want to apologize for saying that you did.’” (Pg. 37) He adds that after he celebrated a Mass for Steven, “Never in my entire priesthood have I witnessed a more profound reconciliation… It was a manifestation of God’s love, forgiveness, and healing that I will never forget.” (Pg. 39)

He suggests, “It’s in the act of abandonment that we experience redemption, that we find life, peace, and joy in the midst of physical, emotional, and spiritual suffering. This is the lesson we must first learn from Jesus before we teach it to others. We must let the mystery the tranquility, and the purposefulness of Jesus’ suffering become part of our own life before we can become effective instruments in the hands of the Lord for the sake of others. As Christians, if we are to love as Jesus loved. We must first come to terms with suffering.” (Pg. 48-49)

He observes, “the more I accepted the terrible reality that I had cancer, the more I thought of my father… He died of cancer … just seven years after marrying my mother… Ever since childhood I have known that cancer changes lives---not only the life of the person carrying it but also the lives of friends and family members who love and care for that person… my father … was a brave man who handled his cancer with great dignity. What stands out most vividly are the many times he expressed his love for our family, even in the worst days of his illness.” (Pg. 61-62)

He notes, “many people tell me that I’m the same now as I was forty years ago. I was more naïve in those early days---the world had not changed as much as it has since then. Everything was pretty uniform in the Church before the Second Vatican Council. And in one sense, we priests were more familiar with our role, or at least with what people expected of us.” (Pg. 88)

He explains, “Instead of being immobilized by the news of the cancer, however, I began to prepare myself for surgery and postoperative care… Nevertheless, during my convalescence I found the nights to be especially long, a time for various fears to surface. I sometimes found myself weeping, something I seldom did before… I have also felt a special solidarity with others facing life-threatening illness. I have talked and prayed with other cancer patients … I have been contacted by hundreds of people seeking my advice and prayers on behalf of family or friends suffering a serious illness, often cancer.” (Pg. 108-110)

He records, “On Friday, August 30, I met with the media… I shared the news about the latest diagnosis and the estimate that my life expectancy was one year or less… I said, ‘My prayer is that I will use whatever time is left in a positive way, that is, in a way that will be of benefit to the priests and people I have been called to serve, as well as to my own spiritual well-being.’” (Pg. 134)

He concludes, “As I conclude this book, I am goth exhausted and exhilarated. Exhausted because the fatigue caused by the cancer is overwhelming. Exhilarated because I have finished a book that has been very important to me… It is quite clear that I will not be alive in the spring. But I will soon experience new life in a different way. Although I do not know what to expect in the afterlife, I do know that just as God has called me to serve him to the best of my ability throughout my life on earth, he is now calling me home.” (Pg. 151-152)

The Publisher’s Note at the end of the book states, “The Cardinal completed ‘The Gift of Peace’ on November 1, 1996, just thirteen days before he died of pancreatic cancer. His finishing touch was to write the title of the book and sign his name for the front cover.” (Pg. 155)

This book will be of interest to those studying the late Cardinal, but also to Catholics (and others) suffering from disease, etc.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this along with Tuesdays with Morrie for a book club. I expected this to be a very dry and boring book but was mistaken. Cardinal Bernardin found that his battle for his reputation mattered more than his battle with cancer. This had deeper meaning than Tuesdays with Morrie.

[booklady · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent! Read this in a day.

[Ami Nosh · Rating 5 out of 5]

CW: Religious abuse, sexual misconduct

Never judge a book by its cover, they say. Or, in the case of this book for me, the first chapter. This book, written in 1997, is the reflections of Joseph Cardinal Bernardin during his end of life. The author himself states not an autobiography, but instead, thoughts on life and death.

Being neither Catholic, nor familiar with the author, I read his first chapter and almost put the book down in anger. He explained that he has gone through enormous trials, including sexual misconduct allegations, cancer, and death. An in a 2022 world where the Catholic Church has been investigated for hiding a history of sex abuse in religion, continuing to read felt distasteful. With this in mind, I have a personal rule to read everything I can, even if I disagree with the author, so I did continue.

I am overwhelmingly glad I finished this book.

To be clear to the reader, unlike many religious leaders accused of misconduct, Bernardin was proven innocent when his accuser revoked the story and admitted to being persuaded by outside parties to accuse the Cardinal, and eventually he reconciled and even remained in touch with his accuser. Not only this, but not mentioned in the book, he has a track record of advocating for the survivors of sexual misconduct in religion; he DOES mention that he told his attorneys there would be no countersuit, as he did not want victims of sex crimes to feel hesitant to speak out. These are facts, verifiable not only through the book but through numerous reputable sources available for research.

With this discussion out of the way, the content.

This is a book of a man at the end of life, with end stage pancreatic cancer. He discusses life's largest challenges openly and vulnerably, the pain he felt, and the way that he found reconciliation and peace through all.

In the case of being accused of sexual misconduct, he describes how he was able to reconcile with his false accuser and create ministries to help exploited children.

When diagnosed with cancer, he used his time in the hospital to speak with and minister to others.

And facing mortality, he has learned to see death as a mystery and miracle, not an enemy.

As I read through subject matter that should feels heavy and disturbing, I felt not only a deeper understanding of the human condition, Jesus Christ, and peace, but I actually found myself smiling at times.

Because of this book, I feel better prepared to face the everyday challenges life brings forward. I was hesitant to read this book, but I'm so glad I did. It's a refreshing and optimistic spiritual read that has stood the test of time some 30 years later.

[Thomas Andrikus · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very moving memoir by the late seventh Archbishop of Chicago, Joseph Cardinal Bernardin.

Earlier in the memoir, he told his side on how he was plagued by false accusation which haunted him for years, of which he was later proven innocent as the false accuser admitted that his accusation was baseless. Nonetheless, Bernardin freely forgave the false accuser and even celebrated mass with that person, a lapsed Catholic.

Finally relieved of what he thought was the biggest trial of his life, he continued planning on his life ahead with the diocese. Until a few weeks later when he got diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

As he underwent treatments for the disease that would later take his life, we learned a great deal about the humility and faith of this great man who had always aspired to serve humanity as the Lord had commanded us all to do (Mat 20:27-28).

At times, he admitted that he found it hard to focus on praying during his sickness, as there are plenty of worries or outside thoughts that bothered him too. But, it was through his unchanging commitment to put the Lord first that he said that even if the prayers were not perfect, that special prayer hour would still not be spent with any other person.

This moving memoir should be read not just by Catholics but also by fellow Christians everywhere as it has a lot of inputs on a learned theologian who had had decades of experience in ministering to the flock in Cincinnati and Chicago. I find it particularly saddening to know that he finished this memoir merely 13 days before he passed on to the next life.

However, fully confident that there will be others who will continue God’s work, and that there is a sense that he is coming home to see the Lord soon, he knew that all will be well.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read this book 15 or more years ago. Although I still believe this earns 5 stars, I believe my thoughts about it may be different.

When Joseph Cardinal Bernardin was stunned to learn he had pancreatic cancer, he decided to write about his trials during what would be his final days. In this memoir, he addresses two events that showed him how helpless we really are, and discusses how one must place total trust in God. Bernardin connects these two issues, one a case of false accusation and the other, his impending death.

In 1993, Bernardin was accused of molesting a seminarian during the 70s, and his book addresses his feelings of helplessness and learning to have faith in God in the face of a false accusation. This, he felt, prepared him for the utter helplessness in the face of his pancreatic cancer diagnosis in 1995. Again he had to acknowledge powerlessness.

The Gift of Peace shows us how faith in God strengthens us, that despite our desire to control our lives and all around us, much is out of our hands. As such, I found this a thoughtful and encouraging book. However, as more and more is revealed about molestation in all fields, I have a great deal more skepticism than I did during my first reading of this book. I can't know everything, but I have become less trusting.

[Dom Chu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good light reading. The late Cardinal Bernardin's account of his dying days with pancreatic cancer & his reflections to courageously remain a faithful witness even in the face of death, finding God's gift of peace in the process. Proving that placing oneself entirely in God's hands surpasses all fears and anxieties if we let Him.

At the end of his book, he wrote: "What I would like to leave behind is a simple prayer that each of you may find what I have found -- God's special gift to us all: the Gift of Peace. When we are at peace, we find the freedom to be most fully who we are, even in the worst of times. We let go of what is nonessential and embrace what is essential. We empty ourselves so that God may more fully work within us. And we become instruments in the hands of the Lord."

13 days after finishing this book, Cardinal Bernardin passed away in 1996.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very personal account of one person's journey toward the culmination of his life. I admire Cardinal Bernardin's strength and courage and his ultimate acceptance of his illness and what it meant for not only him, but for his ministry. I only hope that, when the time comes, I can reach the same sense of peace he achieved.

I do believe this book will have much deeper meaning for those of the Roman Catholic faith. I am not Catholic so there were many things discussed that are not within my belief system. Consequently, it probably didn't affect me as deeply as it might someone else. Even so, I found Cardinal Bernardin's message and reflection quite admirable.

[Matt C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bernardin used the last season of his life to write a book of encouragement for those desiring deeper fellowship with God amid the unexpectedness and pains of life. To suffer is to be in communion with the Suffering Servant; let the “mystery of Jesus’ suffering become part of our own life.” Do not let the pain “draw you inside yourself,” but rather, let it “empty yourself,” so that you are able to receive His abundant love and grace. Open wide the doors of your heart to Jesus; what keeps you from allowing Him to enter all the way into your very being?

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

How can you rate Cardinal Bernardin anything but a 5 on a book he writes the last 2 months of his life? He writes his personal thoughts on his accusation of sexual misconduct, his diagnosis of cancer and then the return of cancer after 15 months of remission. His ongoing work for the church, his ministry to others and acceptance of peace are inspiring. He finished the book 13 days before he died in 1996.

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful personal reflection by Cardinal Bernardin on the three most poignant times in his life as a Cardinal. Truly a great read as our country and our world face the Covid19 pandemic and so many of us are anxious and agitated. The gift of Peace is available to us all as Cardinal Bernardin helps us remember.
Easy to read - as if you are having a conversation with Cardinal Bernardin yourself.

[Joseph J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw this soft spoken and gentle man to his seminary guest room one evening. His humility struck me. This little memoir covers the tumultuous final years of his life: His bewilderment and ultimate forgiveness amid the horror of a wrongful (and politically motivated) accusation. And then, his crushing yet inspiring diagnosis and battle against cancer. You like I will read this with a tear in your eye, and a pen in your hand to copy profound and moving insight into the human condition.

[McKenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing. It has the power to deepen our understanding of death and loss as told from the voice of someone that is dying. It is a real and moving story. Joseph Cardinal Bernardin was truly an inspiring human being who strived to live as God intended for us. He served and loved others and humbly worked on his own spiritual journey. A great book!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't say I read this closely through the lens of writing quality... but the stories and personality of Cardinal Bernardin touched me powerfully. I'm not a voracious reader of spiritual autobiographies, but do read them on occasion -- Thomas Merton, Mother Teresa (via her book of letters and writing shared following her death.) This book is simple, straightforward and very touching. A few of the stories shared in this book have come to my mind many times since as I reflect on my own actions.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a book that my mom had on her shelf and I thought it looked interesting. Wow - what a beautiful book of Joseph Cardinal Bernardin's personal reflections on being falsely accused of sexual abuse and then his view of his cancer diagnosis and eventually when the cancer returns his "death diagnosis". Very humbling book.

[Shawna · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I spend this year studying what it means to delight in the Lord, and the close connection delight has with abiding and peace, this book seemed like it would be an interesting way to begin. Even though I’m not Catholic, I appreciate the Cardinal’s conclusions about peace in the Lord, especially as he drew rapidly to the end of his time on earth.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book talks about the final years of Cardinal Bernardin's life. It is a testament of faith, courage and acceptance of God's will. It's a beautiful book in that it makes you think about matters that are important but you might have pushed aside.
It is unbelievable how even when death was knocking at his door, Cardinal Bernardin wasn't despairing but rather preparing for it.

[Albert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book written near the end of Joseph Cardinal Bernardin's life. He is awe-aspiring and shocking. I will only leave two quotes from the book to meditate with.

"Pray while you're well, because if you wait until you're sick you might not be able to do it."

"Death as a friend rather than an enemy."

[Catherine Espada · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read! So inspiring to be able to read how this great man overcame all the evils that life threw at him and still forgave his accusers. Truly a good and holy man. Pray for us Joseph Bernardin.

[Nyasha Florence · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t usually cry when when I read books but this, this was an amazing book.
So often, religious people seem to be perfect but reading the vulnerability of this man was everything.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Good man, even better book ♥️♥️

[Matt Fountain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book chronicling the awesome experience of accepting all the "crosses" that come our way with power, dignity, faith, love, and ultimately peace. You don't have to a Catholic to appreciate this story of reconciliation and loving one's neighbor as oneself.

[Brace1737 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I rarely re-read a book. I first read it about twenty years ago. The story of how Cardinal Bernardin held on to his faith despite false charges of abusing a young man and then his battle with cancer is a story filled with hope. This is a short but powerful book that you should read

[David Serafini · Rating 4 out of 5]

As my dad is dying of cancer as I write this, and may not last much longer, I felt compelled to read this short, insightful work. I grew up in Chicago when Cardinal Bernardin was archbishop. His words and example of how we should look at and embrace death is profound.

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great re-read.