MP Ted Opitz Attends Proclamation of Toronto Archbishop Thomas Collins as Cardinal

Toronto MP Ted Opitz (Etobicoke - Centre), was in Vatican City on February 18, 2012 as part of the Canadian delegation attending the ceremony elevating the Most Reverend Thomas Collins, Archbishop of Toronto, to the College of Cardinals, formally proclaimed by Pope Benedict. “I am honoured to be given the opportunity to represent the Canadian Catholic community at this consistory ceremony,” Mr. Opitz said.

An honourable delegation including Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, and Julian Fantino, Associate Minister of National Defence, also accompanied Collins to the ceremony.

In a statement, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said:

“On behalf of Canadians, I would like to congratulate His Eminence, Thomas Collins on his formal elevation to the College of Cardinals by the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI in Rome. While retaining his commitment to the 1.7 million Catholics in the Archdiocese of Toronto and numerous Canadian charities, organizations, and educational institutions, Cardinal Collins is now adding to his already-substantial international responsibilities.”

Thomas Cardinal Collins was named to the College of Cardinals on January 6, 2012. Prior to his work as the Bishop of Saint-Paul and later Archbishop of Edmonton and Toronto, Cardinal Collins was also a seminary professor. Throughout his service, Cardinal Collins has shown principled leadership to his fellow citizens, irrespective of their beliefs.

In his new role, Thomas Cardinal Collins, will be part of an elite group of around 120 churchmen who elect the Pope and act as his special advisors. He will become the 16th Canadian elevated to the rank of a cardinal.

“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I congratulate Cardinal Collins as he begins this new phase in his religious work. This appointment is a testament to his faith and devotion to his work, the Church and to members of the Canadian Catholic community,” Mr. Opitz commented.

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MP Ted Opitz