The
Catholic Weekly
Online
Sydney
2 November 2003
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Christ’s message holds key, says Cardinal Pell
New cardinal-electors
Cardinal is ‘honoured and delighted’
New managing editor for Catholic Weekly
Wiggles help Vinnies
Change to super laws rejected
Service commemorates Night of broken glass
Don’t leave HSC study to the last minute
Poverty forum call
Italians come clean over holy water
‘Don’t change Medicare’
Hope on Smokey Mountain
New dean of education
‘Give generously’ appeal call
Passion added to atmosphere for players
Mother Teresa
Editorial: Be not afraid
Letters: Biblical errors?
Conversation: Donna Mulhearn, human shield and crusader for kids - Back to Iraq
with ‘lots of love, hugs and care’
The freedom of God
Jesus ‘Lord and healer’
Oath of Fidelity
Sandhills and history
The Italian connection
New deal for deaf high school students
New college Campus
US post
115 years in the sun
Rose Bay victory
Life of the ageing priest
Companions on a Redemptorist’s journey to his final vows
‘Richest year of my life’
Oath of Fidelity
New cardinals make the sign of the cross during the consistory in St Peter’s Square. Pope John Paul II elevated 30 prelates from around the world to cardinal during the ceremony
The 30 new cardinals swore an oath of fidelity
and obedience to the Pope and his successors when they were inducted into the
College of Cardinals in a consistory in St Peter’s Square.
Each of them promised to “be faithful henceforth and forever, while I live, to Christ and his Gospel, being constantly obedient to the Holy Roman Apostolic Church, to Blessed Peter in the person of the Supreme Pontiff John Paul II, and of his canonically elected successors; to maintain communion with the Catholic Church always, in word and deed; not to reveal to any one what is confided to me in secret, nor to divulge what may bring harm or dishonour to Holy Church; to carry out with great diligence and faithfulness those tasks to which I am called by my service to the Church, in accord with the norms of the law”.
The atmosphere in and around the square was a combination of strict formality, patriotic fervour and familial pride as Pope John Paul II elevated the new cardinals.
In the morning ceremony, cardinals and bishops in their formal red and purple robes flanked the flower-festooned stage in front of St Peter’s Basilica.
Near them, the official escorts known as “papal gentlemen” and many members of national delegations wore formal morning coats with tails.
Every single step of the ceremony was carefully choreographed, in keeping with centuries of tradition.
When it came time to receive their red hats, the new cardinals were escorted, one at a time, to kneel before Pope John Paul II and kiss his ring. The audience in the square was not bound by the same degree of formality, though.
Guests waved flags, banners and signs and cheered as each new cardinal’s name was read out.
The atmosphere was also festive at public receptions held later for the new cardinals.