Cardinal George in memoriam: The early years

Francis George, right, poses with a fellow first communicant. (Catholic New World file photo)

Newly ordained Father Francis George bestows his first blessing upon his parents. He was ordained a priest for the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate at his home parish of St. Pascal's, 3935 N Melvina Ave., on Dec. 21, 1963. (Catholic New World file photo)

Francis George poses with others following his ordination in 1963. (Catholic New World file photo)

Francis George plays with his nephews Timothy (left) and Patrick (lap) Cain at Christmas 1956. (Catholic New World file photo)

In 1954, Francis George, second from left, hams it up with his friends at St. Henry Preparatory Seminary in Belleville, Illinois. (Catholic New World file photo)

Francis George poses for a photo as a teen. (Catholic New World file photo)

A 9-year-old Francis George, left, poses with friends during a picnic in 1946. (Catholic New World file photo)

Francis George, left, plays "cowboys and Indians" with a friend. (Catholic New World file photo)

Francis George pictured in his formal First Communion photo. In 2013, Cardinal George told the Catholic New World that the relization God was calling him to be a priest came around this time. "In the terms of the grace of God moving me to have the desire to be a priest, I think I can trace it back to my First Holy Communion, which I’ve said many times. That was a very important religious experience for me. After that I went to Communion quite frequently, and that’s what kept the desire to be a priest alive." (Catholic New World file photo)

Francis George poses for a photo as a toddler. (Catholic New World file photo)

After the birth of their son Francis Eugene in 1937, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob George received this telegram from J.T. Richards congratulating them and with sentiments "may he live long and prosper." (Catholic New World file photo)

Francis George poses for a photo in his christening gown. (Catholic New World file photo)