In two solemn yet colourful ceremonies, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, Archbishop of Colombo, was elevated to the College of Cardinals by Pope Benedict XVI, at the ‘Ordinary Public Consistory for the Creation of New Cardinals’ held in Rome on November 20 and 21.
On November 20, St. Peter’s Basilica filled up with cardinals in their red robes, bishops in purple, priests, other dignitaries of the church in ceremonial attire, members of the diplomatic community and lay people. The Vatican police kept a watchful eye on the crowd, while the distinctive Swiss Guards stood to attention.
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| Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith receiving the ring from Pope Benedict XVI |
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| Buddhist monks at the gathering. |
The 24 new cardinals had delegations from their respective countries to support them.
It was a rare opportunity for over 200 Catholics, including priests, from Sri Lanka to witness the moment when Sri Lanka’s second Cardinal took his place among the College of Cardinals of the Vatican. The ceremony was preceded by a period of preparation when extracts from some of the Pope’s homilies from the 2007 Consistory were read out in various languages.
As the Pope entered the Basilica at 10.30 a.m., strains of music from the Silver Horns, used for the first time after around 48 years, wafted through the church, followed by the singing of ‘Tu es Petrus’ by the Pontifical Choir, known as ‘Capella Sistina’. Despite the majestic grandeur of the Basilica, and the solemnity of the occasion, the arrival of the Pontiff was heralded by bursts of enthusiastic applause from the various sections as he passed by, blessing them. From his seat at the altar, Pope Benedict addressed a liturgical greeting to the gathering and read the ‘formula of creation’.
The solemn proclamation of the names of the new cardinals was also greeted with applause. It was heart warming to see that several Italians also carried Sri Lankan flags in support of Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, who had served many years in the Vatican. The first of the new cardinals addressed the Pope on behalf of them all. Following the reading of the Epistle and Gospel, the Pope’s homily and the Profession of Faith, the cardinals took their solemn oath.
Each new cardinal approached the Pope and knelt before him to receive the cardinal’s berretta or red hat and to be assigned a title or deaconry. Placing the berretta on the cardinal’s head the Pope said, “(This is) red as a sign of the dignity of the office of a cardinal, signifying that you are ready to act with fortitude, even to the point of spilling your blood for the increase of the Christian faith, for peace, and harmony among the people of God, for freedom and the spread of the Holy Roman Catholic Church.” The Pope also handed over the ‘Bull of the Creation of Cardinals’, assigned the Title or Deaconry and exchanged a kiss of peace with each new member of the College of Cardinals. The cardinals also exchanged this sign among themselves. The ceremony concluded with the closing prayers and final blessing.
Monsignor Nicolas Thevenin, Protonotary and Prelate of the Antechamber of the Pope, explained that the new cardinals are assigned a church in Rome as a sign of their participation in the Church of Rome. “A cardinal is a part of the Church of Rome and Advisors of the Bishop of Rome, who is always the Pope,” he said. Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith was assigned the Basilica of St. Lorenzo in Lucina, once the palace of a family, later converted to a basilica. The grill on which St. Lawrence was martyred when he was burnt to death is kept here. The cardinal will take possession of the Basilica ceremonially in due course but will not be responsible for its administration.
The eucharistic celebration and conferral of the cardinals’ rings took place in St. Peter’s Basilica on November 21 at 9.30 a.m. Before the ceremony the cardinals were given two mitres, one in white damask and another more ornate one. At 9.30 p.m. there was a deep hush in the church as the congregation awaited the arrival of the Pope. Once again the arrival of Pope Benedict the XVI was accompanied by the music of the Silver Horns, but being a more solemn occasion there was no applause.
The celebration, presided by the Holy Father was concelebrated by the new cardinals, to underline the close bond that binds the new cardinals, who have now become part of the ‘Senate of the Church’, to St. Peter’s successor. Each cardinal knelt before the Pope to receive the ring, depicting the crucifixion of Christ. Wearing this ring the new cardinals are daily reminded of the calling to give their lives for the Church. A Sri Lankan delegate was included in the offertory procession and another Sri Lankan read a prayer in Sinhala.
The following day Pope Benedict had a special audience in Paul VI Hall for the new cardinals and their families, which the country delegations were also fortunate to attend. It was a lively audience with the country delegations clapping, waving flags and singing their National Anthems as their cardinals went up to greet the Pope.
Among the 200 plus Sri Lankans who travelled from Sri Lanka to support the new Cardinal, were three Buddhist monks. A large number of Sri Lankans had also congregated from various parts of Italy and across Europe. Following both ceremonies the cardinal and the entire group were hosted to a rice and curry lunch prepared by Sri Lankans living in Italy.
The day before departure a special mass was celebrated in Sinhala at St. Peter’s Basilica by Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith for the Sri Lankan delegates. He was also present at the airport early next morning to personally bid farewell to the Sri Lankans who had enjoyed a very special visit to Rome and the Vatican. |
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