Cardinal Soter receives red hat

Nov 18, 2016

KUALA LUMPUR (Herald Malaysia): Pope Francis will conclude the Year of Mercy by creating 17 new cardinals.

Announcing the names of the new cardinals Oct. 9, Pope Francis said, “Their coming from 11 nations expresses the universality of the Church that proclaims and witnesses the good news of God’s mercy in every corner of the earth.”

Archbishop Joseph Marino, the Apostolic Nuncio to Malaysia, hosted a dinner in honour of His Grace Anthony Soter Fernandez, Cardinal-designate at the Apostolic Nunciature on Nov 1.

“Pope Francis, when he announced the list of new Cardinals on October 9, in which your name was included, defined this office very clearly when he said: ‘The addition of the new Cardinals in the diocese of Rome manifests the inseparable connection between the See of Peter and the local Churches spread throughout the world’ and, as such, you ‘assist me in my ministry as Bishop of Rome’ and as ‘a permanent and visible sign of unity of faith and communion,” shared Archbishop Marino to the cardinal-designate.

“Therefore, when you receive the Cardinal’s ring, the Holy Father will remind you that it is ‘a sign of the dignity, pastoral care and the most solid communion with the See of Peter’ and when you receive the biretta, you will be reminded that it is ‘a sign of the dignity of the office of Cardinal, signifying that you are ready to act with fortitude, even to the point of spilling your blood for the increase of the Christian faith, for peace and harmony among the People of God, for freedom and the spread of the Holy Roman Catholic Church.’

“You, along with the others announced on that day, were chosen, and these are the words of His Holiness, because you ‘have distinguished yourself with your pastoral service and, as a priest, you have offered a clear Christian witness.’

“Yes, Pope Francis knows you, because he knows the Church in Malaysia whom you represent, the Bishops, priests, religious and laity. You could say, as a result of their daily dedicated ministry and their deep commitment to the Catholic faith, you received a most precious vote from them. They brought you to the eyes and heart of the Holy Father.

“Consequently, when the Pope places the red hat on you on 19 November, which we will all watch with pride, remember that the hat is for them, the entire People of God in Malaysia who, even in challenging moments, profess their belief in the one, holy, Catholic and apostolic faith.

“Your Grace, we all congratulate you with prayerful best wishes, asking the Good Lord to bless you and, through your ministry as Cardinal, may the faith of the people and their commitment to Christ our Saviour be strengthened and made stronger,” said Archbishop Marino.

All the Archbishops and Bishops from Malaysia were present for the auspicious occasion.

Cardinal-designate Soter Fernandez was inducted into the College of Cardinals on Nov. 19, the eve of the close of the Year of Mercy.

He will return to Malaysia on Nov 23.