As funeral details are announced, Pope and PM pay tribute to Cardinal Ambrozic

Kris Dmytrenko

August 29, 2011
Toronto continues to mourn the loss of Cardinal Aloysius Ambrozic. The city’s Archbishop Emeritus—one of three Canadian Cardinals—died at 81 after a long illness. He retired as Archbishop of Toronto in 2006. Pope Benedict XVI sent a telegram of condolence to his family and the Church in Toronto. In his message, he recalled with gratitude the Slovenian-born Cardinal’s “dedication and service to the Church in his adopted country.”
The Prime Minister also paid tribute to Cardinal Ambrozic. Stephen Harper wrote that “he will always be remembered for the knowledgeable, wise, and loving leader he was.”
S+L will air the Funeral Mass live on Wednesday at 10:15am. (Note: not 10:20 or 10:30am, as previously indicated.) The Mass will repeat in the evening at 8pm and Midnight (all times Eastern).
The Archdiocese of Toronto has released details regarding the Rite of Reception, visitation and funeral mass. More information about the Cardinal and his burial can be found at a special tribute website.
The body of Cardinal Ambrozic will arrive at St. Michael's Cathedral on Tuesday, August 30, 2011 at 1:30 p.m. At that time the Rite of Reception will be held.
His Eminence will lie in state for visitation at the cathedral Tuesday afternoon from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. with the Office for the Dead being celebrated at 8:30 p.m. All Tuesday events are open to the public who are most welcome to visit the cathedral to pay their respects.
The funeral Mass for Cardinal Ambrozic will take place on Wednesday, August 31, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Michael's Cathedral. Due to renovations currently underway at the cathedral, expected participation by up to 500 priests, family, friends, etc. there will be extremely limited public seating available.
On Tuesday afternoon, His Eminence will lie in state for visitation at St. Michael’s Cathedral. His funeral will be held Wednesday morning.
Here is the full text of the Pope's telegram:
The Most Reverend Thomas Collins
Archbishop of Toronto
I was deeply saddened to hear of the death of Cardinal Aloysius Ambrozic, Archbishop Emeritus of Toronto. I offer you, the clergy, religious and lay faithful of the Archdiocese my heartfelt condolences and the assurance of my prayers. I recall with gratitude the Cardinal's dedication and service to the Church in his adopted country. I join you and all who mourn him, including the members of the the late Cardinal's family, in commending his noble soul to the infinite mercy of God our loving Father. to all assembled for the solemn funeral rites, I cordially impart my apostolic blessing as a pledge of peace and consolation in the Lord.
Benedictus PP XVI
On Friday, Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement:
I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of His Eminence, Cardinal Ambrozic, Archbishop Emeritus of Toronto.
During his long priesthood, Cardinal Ambrozic served as Archbishop of Toronto for 16 years. He was named and invested as Cardinal by Pope John Paul II in 1998, and was a member of the conclave that elected Pope Benedict in 2005.
He also earned the deep respect of his peers by publishing many articles on faith and theology.
Cardinal Ambrozic dedicated his life to the Catholic Church and greatly contributed to the spiritual life of Christians under his care. He will always be remembered for the knowledgeable, wise, and loving leader he was.
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Photo credit: Archdiocese of Toronto