Chicago, IL (December 21, 2006)— Adhering to recent tradition, Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I., Archbishop of Chicago, will observe the Feast of Christmas by celebrating Mass on Christmas Eve, and by celebrating Mass and ministering to hospitalized children on Christmas Day.

Cardinal George will be the main celebrant and homilist at Midnight Mass on Sunday, December 24 at Holy Name Cathedral, State and Superior Streets. Doors open for the general public at 11:15 p.m. for the 12:00 a.m. liturgy that will be simulcast live on WGN-TV (Channel 9), and on WGN-Radio (720 AM). WGN-TV representatives estimate that their broadcast will reach 70 million homes in the western hemisphere.

At 9 a.m. the following morning, Monday December 25, Cardinal George will travel to Cook County Jail, 2700 South California Blvd. While there, the Cardinal will celebrate Christmas Day Mass for Division 10 maximum-security detainees.

Beginning at 11 a.m. on Christmas Day, the Cardinal will visit children being cared for at Children's Memorial Hospital, 707 West Fullerton Ave. (at the southeast corner of Halsted St. and Fullerton and Lincoln Avenues). Escorting the Cardinal to requested visits with children and their families will be Gordon Bass, the hospital’s Chief Operating Officer.