Heartfelt congratulations to His Eminence, Francis Cardinal Leo as he is welcomed into the College of Cardinals. TCDSB Trustee Teresa Lubinski was part of the Toronto delegation that attended and has shared with us her experience and beautiful pictures.
Earlier this month, the tenth Consistory of the pontificate of Pope Francis, which took place at the Vatican, filled with about 5,500 people 21 new Cardinals were created, coming from across the world: from Algeria to Iran, from Ukraine to Chile and Brazil, from Argentina to Japan, passing through Rome, Naples and Turin, the faithful gathered at the Vatican to pay homage to their new Cardinals. Amongst them was the Toronto Archbishop Francis Leo, who arrived in Rome for the Consistory with his father, Mr. Francesco Leo, who returned to Italy after a remarkable seventy years. The atmosphere was filled with profound respect, emphasizing the universal bonds of faith that connect us all.
It was a once-in-a-lifetime honour to participate with the Director of Education, Dr. Brendan Browne, and many others in the delegation of the Toronto Archdiocese to witness Toronto Archbishop Francis Leo being elevated to the College of Cardinals at the Vatican.
Witnessing this historical moment was a deeply spiritual experience and a moment of heartfelt inspiration, hope and promise.
Frank Cardinal Leo’s message is quoted as “I will be an instrument of unity.”
There were also participants from other Catholic School Boards in Ontario actively participating in the remarkable gathering at St. Peter’s Basilica. Their presence indeed highlighted the importance of community engagement and representation of Catholic school boards at such a significant event.
We are humbled and thankful to the Archdiocese for including us in the delegation and for their extraordinary work organizing this Consistory within such a short time.
