Collins looks back on his election experience as one of joy and beauty, not stress. He emphasized the hope that Leo undergoes a similar experience as he follows in the Archbishop emeritus’ footsteps.
“When Leo comes to the day itself, the actual consistory is a rather simple affair. It is not a Mass, but more of a prayer service. For me, we did it right in front of the altar over at the tomb of Peter. He’ll kneel in front of the Pope and the assistant puts on the zucchetto and the Pope puts on the beret and the ring on your finger,” he explained.
“The ring was presented to Pope Benedict and he approved of it, but he added an eight-pointed star representing Our Lady. I think that will be particularly beautiful for Archbishop Leo due to his tremendous devotion to Our Lady.”
In the days before Leo was set to be elevated to the College of Cardinals, Collins spent time with The Catholic Register to discuss what it means to see his good friend follow a similar path to his own just a few short years ago. The two have known each other for about a decade from when Leo was general secretary of the Canadian bishops’ conference while Collins was on the permanent council.
Collins remains amazed at how fast things began to move following the Holy Father’s decision.
He mentioned that apart from the practical elements such as ordering the proper robes and other vestments such as the zucchetto beret for the role, the initial visit to Rome is often a time full of logistical understanding of what each cardinal is set to undertake. Collins fondly remembers that process, recalling the thorough tours, talks and information exchanges at the time of his appointment.
After explaining what Leo can expect from his newest role, Collins stressed that his responsibility first and foremost remains to be a shepherd to the faithful of the Archdiocese of Toronto, a sentiment Leo himself confirmed is his primary duty while fulfilling his responsibilities as a new member of the College of Cardinals.
As for what it means to be a cardinal priest, Collins explained that it simply means to become a parish priest of Rome, a somewhat “honorary” position that Leo will learn more about upon his elevation.
“I remember when we had the conclave and just before we went in, all of us cardinals dispersed throughout the city to our churches where we celebrated Mass with the people of Rome. Cardinal Leo will become not just a cardinal, he’ll become a cardinal priest of a church where he will go and take possession of that parish,” he said.
“There is a regular priest who handles the actual care for the people because cardinals are usually somewhere else running a diocese, but he will help the Bishop of Rome in his work for the universal Church and in due time, have the responsibility of electing the Bishop of Rome, who is the Pope.”
After sharing a multitude of advice through his own personal experience, Collins expressed his well-wishes for Leo during this exciting time as both a colleague and close friend.
“After hearing the news I immediately texted him my deep joy and hallelujah and I have talked with him several times since to personally express my congratulations and my delight that he is going to be a cardinal. It is just wonderful and I think it is the sentiment of the people of Toronto as well, this feeling of joy,” he said.
“I am going to be in Rome and I will just be so happy for him to be there with me in the College of Cardinals.”