Dear friends,
I write from Santa Maria Bambina which overlooks St Peter’s Basilica and Square.
After my last visit to Rome in the oppressive heat of June this year, I have arrived to the refreshing fresh Winter air. This morning I have taken my morning walk around the perimeter walls of Vatican City - a whole country in 40 minutes! In the rising of the sun the extraordinary architecture and history of the Eternal City gently unfolded. The cupola - dome of St Peter’s, with its gentle lighting, stood as a symbol of the gathering of the Church from the four winds of the world. Today at 4 pm Rome time, we will gather with Pope Francis for the Consistory for the newly appointed Cardinals.
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I am privileged to be here to represent the bishops of Australia as Bishop Mykola Bychok CSsR, Eparch of the Ukrainian Catholic Church Australia and New Zealand, will be welcomed into the College of Cardinals by the simple reception of the red beretta and common ring of his office given as a symbol of unity by Pope Francis. The simple liturgy will signify a new chapter in the life of Bishop Mykola, who henceforth will be known as His Eminence Mykola Cardinal Bychok CSsR. As Bishop Mykola has expressed that while he was surprised by his election, he will entrust the future, with all its unknown responsibilities, to the love of God who has called him to this ministry.
For Cardinal-Elect Bychok CSsR the last four years of episcopal life have been marked by the joys and challenges in shepherding Ukranian Catholics across the various parishes and communities in Australia and New Zealand, but also the pastoral care of his people in unity with their homeland which for three years has been under siege. He has displayed his indomitable Christ like leadership amidst the toil, sadness, grief and yearnings of his people. He has brought words of hope to those who are despairing, and the healing ministry of Jesus to the wounded of heart, and has preached good news as a source comfort in a time of crisis. I am convinced it was for these reasons and others beside, Pope Francis discerned the young bishop Mykola Bychok should join the College of Cardinals.
Today will be a day of unity and prayer. Pope Francis raises new cardinals to share with him the Peterine Ministry and to assist him in being pontiff, which means bridge, to Catholics across the globe and as a sign of unity, peace and reconciliation with the world: A sacrament of Christ’s love.
Tomorrow, I will celebrate my fourth anniversary as bishop of Sale. It has been the greatest joy and grace for me, thank you. In the words of Saint Paul, I say, “I thank my God every time I remember you, praying always with joy in my every prayer for all you do” (Phil 3:1). For all I have shared with my brother priests and deacons, I shall be ever thankful.
We go with haste with the presence of God who sent his most perfect expression of love in Jesus Christ - the gift of Promise.
As I enter St Peter’s this afternoon, I shall carry each of you in my heart and place the needs of the Diocese of Sale at the feet of the One in whom we find our unity and joy.
