When Cardinals are created

A few days ago, we received the news that one of the Canadian Bishops will be created a Cardinal next month.  Along with 21 others chosen from various parts of the world, Thomas Collins, Archbishop of Toronto will be given the Red Hat during a ceremony presided over by the Holy Father himself.

In preparation for the Consistory (the ceremony of investiture of newly-appointed Cardinals) scheduled to take place on February 18, 2012, the Vatican's spokesman announced yesterday some details about the liturgies which will be celebrated.  In short, there will be a few changes adopted so that the two days of formal celebrations will be somewhat more streamlined.

Each newly-created Cardinals will receive a red beretta and a ring from the hands of the Holy Father.  In addition, each will be assigned a rank within the College of Cardinals (distinctions vary between Cardinal Deacons, Cardinal Priests and Cardinal Bishops), and a Cardinatial church.  Since the tradition of the Church dictates that the Pope is elected by the clergy of Rome, each Cardinal that is created is assigned a titular church, located within the city of Rome.

With this list of appointments, there are now two resident Cardinals living in Canada (the Archbishops of Toronto and Montreal), as well as one Canadian Cardinal who is curently serving as Prefect of the Vatican Congregation for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.