Dear Maria:
I was saddened to learn of the death of your beloved mother, Eunice Shriver, and I hasten to assure you of my prayers for her, for you and for all the members of your family.
I shall offer Mass for her eternal repose and will continue to keep all of the Shriver Family very much in my prayers during this time of pain and loss.
Your mother was a woman of deep faith and dedication to Our Lord Jesus Christ. Her extraordinary commitment to living out the Gospel values was an inspiration and source of strength for all whose lives she touched. Her faith and generous spirit motivated her to reach out in love to make our society more aware of the dignity and gifts of all people, especially the mentally handicapped, the poor and the marginalized.
Eunice's founding of the Special Olympics helped our society to know that every human person is unique and special just because he or she is. This lesson is her legacy to us, and is just as important today as it was in 1968.
I am confident that she is now at peace in the Eternal Kingdom.
Asking the strength and consolation of our Risen Savior upon you, and assuring you of my continuing prayers, I am
Sincerely yours in Christ,
His Eminence
Cardinal Roger Mahony
Archbishop of Los Angeles