New U.S., Canadian cardinals describe joys of receiving red hats

Published: 2003-10-21

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- After receiving their red hats from Pope John Paul II Oct. 21, the new cardinals from the United States and Canada said the day was one of great celebration for them and the people of their home dioceses, Philadelphia and Quebec. Cardinal Justin Rigali of Philadelphia and Cardinal Marc Ouellet of Quebec met briefly with reporters in St. Peter's Square after the consistory at which they were among 30 men elevated to cardinal. Cardinal Rigali said his inclusion among the new cardinals was less an honor for him personally than a reflection of the importance of the Philadelphia Archdiocese, where the four previous archbishops also have been made cardinals. He urged the people of Philadelphia to lift their hearts and see that it's "a wonderful moment to be alive." Cardinal Ouellet, who returned to Canada in December after holding teaching posts in Rome since 1996, said the day was one of great joy and celebration for himself and for his family. "It's a great day to be here" as well as a great day for the people of Quebec, he said.

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