The elevation of Archbishop Prospero Grech O.S.A to the College of Cardinals on Saturday 18 February overtly shows that the cardinalate role within the Catholic Church is not simply a question of privilege but rather of a mission to be seriously undertaken.

Suffice to recall the prayer with which Pope Benedict XVI prayed as he imposed the cardinal’s biretta on Mgr Grech’s head: “Receive this red biretta as a sign of the dignity of the Cardinalate, by which you must be strong—even to the shedding of your blood—in working for the increase of the Christian faith, for the peace and tranquillity of the People of God, and for the freedom and progress of the Holy Roman Church.”

A cardinal is an ardent and faithful promoter of the Christian faith. Like Christ, the cardinal is called to love his brothers and sisters, who are in the world, to the end (see John 13, 1). Up to the point of shedding his blood for the faith they profess and the faithful he diligently serves as signified by the placing of the biretta and the colour of his vestments.

During the reflection the Holy Father gave on Saturday 18 consistory in which 22 new cardinals were created, he said: “The new Cardinals are entrusted with the service of love: love for God, love for his Church, an absolute and unconditional love for his brothers and sisters, even unto shedding their blood, if necessary, as expressed in the words of placing the biretta and as indicated by the colour of their robes. Furthermore, they are asked to serve the Church with love and vigour, with the transparency and wisdom of teachers, with the energy and strength of shepherds, with the fidelity and courage of martyrs. They are to be eminent servants of the Church that finds in Peter the visible foundation of unity.”

Moreover, the cardinal is a close collaborator of the Pope and in his person a servant of the Universal Church. Thus, he is actively inserted in the Church of Rome in which the Pope “presides in charity”.

Benedict XVI illustrated that “the new Cardinals, in receiving the title of a church in this city [Rome] or of a suburban Diocese, are fully inserted in the Church of Rome, led by the Successor of Peter, in order to cooperate closely with him in governing the universal Church.

These beloved Brothers … [are] united with new and stronger bonds, not only to the Roman Pontiff but also to the entire community of the faithful spread throughout the world. In carrying out their particular service in support of the Petrine ministry, the new Cardinals will be called to consider and evaluate the events, the problems and the pastoral criteria which concern the mission of the entire Church. In this delicate task, the life and the death of the Prince of the Apostles, who for love of Christ gave himself even unto the ultimate sacrifice, will be an example and a helpful witness of faith for the new Cardinals”.

Finally, on Cardinal Grech’s finger Pope Benedict XVI placed the ring on which Saints Peter and Paul and the star, which suggests the Mother of God, are represented. The Pope told him: “Wearing this ring, you are reminded each day to remember the witness which these two Apostles gave to Christ even unto martyrdom here in Rome, their blood making the Church fruitful. The example of the Virgin Mother will always be for you an invitation to follow her who was strong in faith and a humble servant of the Lord”.

Ad multos annos Cardinal Prospero Grech!

■ Fr Mario Attard OFM Cap

San Gwann