October 21, 2003
Pope John Paul II elevated Archbishop Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, to the College of Cardinals in a Public Consistory at 4:30 a.m. E.S.T. (10:30 a.m. Rome time) in Saint Peter's Square in Rome.
The Consistory, which is a gathering of all of the Cardinals of the Church, follows a week of celebrations in Rome including the Beatification of Mother Teresa and the 25th anniversary of Pope John Paul II. 30 new Cardinals who were at the Consistory today represent 18 countries from all six continents. Cardinal Rigali is the only new Cardinal from the United States.
During today's liturgy, Cardinal Rigali received his "red hat" known as a biretta. (A biretta is a stiff, square hat with three ridges on top worn in church and on other formal occasions. Only Cardinals wear red.) On Wednesday, October 22nd Cardinal Rigali will receive a "Cardinal's ring" from the Holy Father during a Mass in Saint Peter's Square. After receiving their rings, the new cardinals will concelebrate Mass with the Pope.
On Thursday, October 23rd, Cardinal Rigali will celebrate his first Mass as a Cardinal with a group of Philadelphia pilgrims. Later that day, the Philadelphia contingent will have an audience with the Holy Father.
Cardinal Rigali will celebrate his first Mass as a Cardinal in Philadelphia at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. All are invited to attend.
Sunday, October 26, 2003
11:00 a.m.
Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul
Philadelphia
The Cardinals of the Catholic Church are the chief counselors of the Holy Father and assist him in the government of the Church, particularly in consistories which are called by and presided over by the Pope. Cardinals are also responsible for electing a successor to the Holy Father.
Pope John Paul II named Cardinal Rigali to the College of Cardinals on September 28, only nine days before he was installed as Archbishop of Philadelphia (October 7, 2003), succeeding Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua.
Pope John Paul II names Archbishop Justin Rigali as Archbishop of Philadelphia on July 15, 2003. Archbishop Rigali served as Archbishop of St. Louis since 1994.
Pope John Paul II names Archbishop Justin Rigali a Cardinal on September 28, 2003.
Archbishop Rigali is installed as Archbishop of Philadelphia on October 07, 2003.
Archbishop Rigali is elevated to the College of Cardinals during a Consistory, or gathering of Cardinals, in St. Peter's Square on Tuesday, October 21, 2003.
Cardinals are the chief counselors of the Holy Father and assist him in the governance of the Church.
Cardinals are also responsible for electing a successor to the Holy Father.
During the Consistory, Cardinal Rigali receives his "red hat" or biretta.
A biretta is a stiff, square hat with three ridges on top. Only Cardinals wear red.
During a Mass in Saint Peter's Square on Wednesday, October 22, 2003, Cardinal Rigali receives his Cardinal's ring from the Holy Father.
Cardinal Rigali celebrates his first Mass as Cardinal with Philadelphia travelers on Thursday, October 23, 2003. Later that day, Philadelphia pilgrims attend an audience with Holy Father.
Cardinal Rigali celebrates a Mass of Thanksgiving on Sunday, October 26, 2003 at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia. All are invited to attend.
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Donna Farrell
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215-587-3747