And another hat will hang

There's a tradition not often seen in today's world.  T'was a time when the custom of the Church was to hang a cardinatial hat from the top rafters of the Cathedral from the day of the Cardinal's death.  According to the tradition, this hat was a spiritual reminder of all that had been accomplished during the time of service.  Some say that it is a sign that the Cardinal in question is still doing penance for his sins, until the hat drops from the rafters.

Regardless of the symbolism, there will be another hat in the rafters of Saint Michael's Cathedral in the coming days.  Aloysius Cardinal Ambrozic, who emigrated to Canada as a young boy and who served as a priest of the Archdiocese for many years, including a period of sixteen years (from 1990 until 2006) when he led the Archdiocese of Toronto.

Stories have been told and heard of this man's humanity, of his journies to the homes of friends to enjoy some time of cameraderie, of a good game of cards, and a good read.  His multi-lingual prowess allowed him to be present to the multi-cultural population of Toronto in a way that was his alone to witness.

In the final five years of his earthly life, he enjoyed declining health.  From near and far, friends and collegues asked after him, even as they prayed for and with him.  In Rome, the Holy Father heard of his passing from this world to the next only hours after it happened (yesterday) and has already sent a telegram of condolence to His Grace, Thomas Collins, the current Archbishop of Toronto, to the family of Cardinal Ambrozic, to the priests and faithful of the Archdiocese and to all those who now remember and pray for him.

Details about the funeral liturgy which will take place in Toronto in the coming days will be published very soon.  In the meanwhile, preparations are no doubt in progress, even as many are making plans to be present for the final farewell.