Alumnus Made Cardinal

The occasion of the Public Consistory held in St. Peter’s Basilica on Saturday, November 24, offered a wonderful reason for all of the members of the Pontifical North American College to extend our celebration of thanksgiving throughout the weekend; for the College saw one of her sons made a Cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI: James Michael Cardinal Harvey (‘75). Cardinal Harvey, ordained a priest of Milwaukee, WI in 1975, was ordained to the episcopate in 1998 and appointed as the Prefect of the Papal Household that same year by Blessed John Paul II. He has since served closely with the Holy Father in Rome and shall now, as Cardinal, continue to be (in the words of Pope Benedict XVI) one of his “valued co-workers” as the Archpriest of the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside-the-Walls.

Throughout his time in Rome, Cardinal Harvey has been a great supporter and close friend of the faculty and students of the College, hosting for many years each class of NewMen at the Papal residence in Castel Gandolfo, and being a true spiritual father to the many seminarians sent to Rome from Milwaukee. The College was honored to be able to host Cardinal Harvey, his family, classmates, and friends at a banquet and reception following the Mass of Thanksgiving held at St. Peter’s Basilica, Sunday morning.

The witness and joy of this steadfast servant of the Church has truly been a blessing to the North American College and we are most grateful for his constant fatherly and fraternal support. Cardinal Harvey shall continue to be in our thoughts and prayers as he continues to be that blessing, not only for us, but for the universal Church in his new mission as a Cardinal.

Ad Multos Annos!

Additional photos from the Consistory Weekend are available here.