Both the entertainment world and the Church have lost a woman of profound faith, gifted musical talent, and dedication to the betterment of peoples world-wide. The death of Dolores Hope leaves a huge void in Southern California. I extend my assurance of prayer for the members of the Hope Family, and will continue to keep Dolores in my prayers. Dolores Hope was a Catholic of deep and abiding faith, and her own spiritual journey was her highest priority. She not only practiced her faith regularly, she even transformed the Hope home in Toluca Lake into a special sacred space. She had a beautiful and peaceful chapel in their home, and frequently asked friends to gather for retreat days and days of recollection at the home. She was close friends to many priests and Sisters over the years, as well as various Cardinals, Archbishops and Bishops. She had a large collection of books on spiritual topics, and readily encouraged friends to read these books. Her deep life in Christ was the spring board for her charitable giving to countless ministries, apostolates, and works of mercy across the country and around the world. She was actively involved with numerous institutions from the east coast to the west coast, and she and Bob were generous supporters of these organizations. She was one of the first women in the world to become a Dame of St. Gregory with Star, bestowed by Pope John Paul II. The Archdiocese of Los Angeles benefitted regularly over the years with generous donations, innumerable projects and programs. She and Bob were early supporters of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels building program. All of us were gifted through her deep faith and her untiring spirit to help improve the lives of so many people everywhere. May she now enter into that eternal life and light prepared for her by the God whom she loved so fully and deeply.
