The faithful in the Archdiocese of Washington -- who because of COVID-19 restrictions cannot travel to Rome to attend the Nov. 28, 2020 Consistory where Pope Francis will elevate Cardinal-designate Wilton Gregory and 12 other prelates from around the world to the College of Cardinals -- can still witness the historic event as it unfolds.
The Consistory – in which Washington’s archbishop will become the first African American cardinal from the United States – will be livestreamed on Saturday, Nov. 28 at 10 a.m. Eastern time (4 p.m. Rome Time) on the Vatican Media Live English Channel on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCDr9ft0Ym4.
Traditionally, when Washington’s archbishop is elevated to the College of Cardinals, the Archdiocese of Washington sponsors a pilgrimage or arranges other travel to Rome and helps secure tickets to the Consistory and related events. Due to the pandemic, no such accommodations were made for this Consistory.
“Friends in Christ, In NYC about to board a flight to Rome for the Consistory. My heart brings the people that I have tried to serve & love… Keep me in your prayers as I welcome Pope Francis' invitation to assist him in his service,” Cardinal-designate Gregory tweeted as he departed the United States on Nov. 17.
The day after the Consistory – Sunday, Nov. 29 – is the First Sunday of Advent, and Pope Francis will celebrate Mass with the new cardinals. That Mass will also be livestreamed at 4 a.m. Eastern Time (10 a.m. Rome Time) on the Vatican Media Live English Channel on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCDr9ft0Ym4.
The faithful in the Archdiocese of Washington are invited to send their payer intentions which Cardinal Gregory will pray for at the altar of the Basilica of St. Peter in Rome on Nov. 29. Prayer intentions may be submitted at https://adw.org/archdiocese-of-washington-prayer-requests/
In addition to the Vatican YouTube livestreaming of the two Masses, the Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN), the Catholic cable channel, will also broadcast the Consistory live at 10 a.m. Eastern time on Saturday, Nov. 28, and the First Sunday of Advent papal Mass with the new cardinals on Sunday, Nov. 29 at 4 a.m. Eastern Time.
The Catholic Standard’s website will provide coverage of the Consistory provided by the Catholic News Service, and the Catholic Standard newspaper will publish a special edition honoring Cardinal Gregory on Dec. 10.
