In traditional liturgy, Cardinal Rigali forms ties with Rome parish

Published: 2004-05-10

ROME (CNS) -- In a church on one of Rome's ancient hills, Cardinal Justin Rigali of Philadelphia celebrated Mass and met the parishioners of a parish placed under his symbolic care. The liturgy May 9 in the church of St. Prisca was the continuation of an ancient custom under which each cardinal is assigned a "titular" church in the Diocese of Rome. It is a tradition that strengthens the bonds between each cardinal and Rome, Cardinal Rigali said after the liturgy. "The cardinals are associated in another form with the pope, as members of the Roman clergy. It's a very beautiful idea, because the cardinals are related to an actual parish community, the people of God in this community," Cardinal Rigali said. The church of St. Prisca, located on Rome's Aventine Hill, is dedicated to a first-century martyr, and its history goes back to apostolic times. Pope John Paul II assigned the church to Cardinal Rigali when he named him a cardinal last fall.

Copyright (c) 2004 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .