The Holy See Press Office has issued a communiqué on the day of prayer and reflection
of the College of Cardinals after the Friday morning session. The Cardinals were meeting
in the Synod Hall at the Vatican the day before the consistory.
After celebrating
mid-morning prayer, there was a welcoming speech by the Dean of the College of Cardinals,
Cardinal Angelo Sodano.
The theme of the day was “The Announcement of the Gospel
Today, Between ‘missio ad gentes’ and the New Evangelization”, and was introduced
by a comprehensive report by the Archbishop of New York, Cardinal-designate Archbishop
Timothy Dolan.
Afterwards, the President of the Council for the Promotion of
the New Evangelization, Archbishop Salvatore Fisichella, spoke of the upcoming Year
of Faith, and significant points in the light of the Apostolic Letter “Porta fidei”.
He also presented a series of initiatives under study by several Dicasteries about
the Year of the Faith.
After this, there was enough time for seven interventions
by participants on various themes before the Angelus prayer led by the Holy Father
ended the morning session.
The Day will continue with more interventions by
participants in the afternoon after Vespers at 5:00 pm.
There were 133 of 213
members of the College of Cardinal present (including the 22 new cardinals). Those
not there were excused for reasons of age or health, or previous binding commitments.