CARDINAL CUSHING

Cardinal Richard James Cushing was born in South Boston and grew up near “M” St. Park. He was a close friend of the Kennedy family and presided over the marriage of then Senator John Kennedy and Jacqueline Bouvier and sadly presided at the burial of President Kennedy. As Archbishop of Boston he was the most revered catholic in the city. When he walked the streets of South Boston he always attracted a crowd. It was as if the Pope himself was present. I even got to kiss his ring once. When he started to raise funds for a larger and more improved Carney Hospital the residents of Southie gave generously because they knew the value of a good hospital in the neighborhood. When he moved the hospital to Dorchester he lost some of his luster and although still revered was somewhat tarnished.