Sioux City delegation goes to Rome

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
Nov. 29, 2007

Among the thousands that went to Rome for the consistory in which Pope Benedict XVI created 23 new cardinals were about 40 from the Diocese of Sioux City.

For the Sioux City pilgrims as well as those from Galveston-Houston and Pittsburgh, the big attraction was Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo.

Bishop R. Walker Nickless was among the diocesan pilgrims. The bishop said he was happy to represent the parishioners of the Diocese of Sioux City.

"Cardinal DiNardo many times has mentioned Sioux City in his statements - his love for the people and the support they have given him," said Bishop Nickless in a telephone interview from Rome. "Their presence is really a joy for him."

The bishop spoke of the festive atmosphere in Rome.

"It's been a wonderfully hopeful and encouraging time for all of us. Everyone here is so happy and Rome is filled with joy," he said. "It's so exciting for the whole church to be able to celebrate these new cardinals."

Jim Wharton of Sioux City, former director of communications and stewardship for the diocese, said the trip and special ceremonies "were truly something that I have never experienced before and probably never will again."

When the delegation from Sioux City arrived in Rome on Nov. 23, they were initially told the consistory would be outside but plans changed by Saturday morning as rain was in the forecast. Unfortunately that meant that not everyone made it into the ceremony. While thousands made it into St. Peter's, an estimated 25,000 to 30,000 were outside. Many of the Sioux City pilgrims were among those to watch the ceremony on the huge mega-screens in St. Peter's Square.

Father Brian Hughes, pastor at St. Patrick's in Estherville, was one of six priests from the diocese to go to Rome for the consistory.

"The bishop obtained access to the basilica so some of the priests from Galveston-Houston and the Sioux City priests entered with the bishop early - so we got great seats," said Father Hughes. "We were there by 8:30 a.m. and the ceremony didn't begin for two hours."

Given that the 23 new cardinals came from various parts of the world, he said there was great diversity at the ceremony.

"When the liturgy began, they brought the cardinals in first, all in their red cassocks and zucchettos. Then the Holy Father came in, beautifully dressed in a gold cope and walked directly in front of us," described Father Hughes.

They called out Cardinal DiNardo's name as he passed by and when the pontiff processed by they cried "viva el papa," which is long live the pope. During the liturgy, which was the Liturgy of the Word as opposed to a Mass, there was a series of talks and the new cardinals made a profession of faith and pledged allegiance to the pope.

For Father Hughes the best part of the ceremony was seeing the "beauty of the universal church ... and the union of the Holy Father with all of the cardinals."

Bishop Nickless agreed that one of the most impressive parts of the ceremony was seeing the universal church and knowing that the Catholic Church has "been blessed with wonderful representation to enable the Holy Father to consult them on all kinds of issues. He continues to expand the College of Cardinals so that he can get as much input as he can for the decisions and the direction that he wants to lead the church in."

He recalled the pontiff's message who described the new cardinals as apostles of God and signs of hope. Bishop Nickless said, "That is what the world needs today - apostles that want to share the good news about what we believe in our faith and signs of hope. The world needs to be encouraged by hope in these difficult days."

This was the second time the bishop has attended a consistory. The first time was when Cardinal Stafford, the former archbishop of Denver was elevated.

Wharton and the other laity from the diocese were among the thousands outside in St. Peter's Square.

"It was interesting outside because the weather was decent and there were people from countries all over the world," he said. "Some people were in their native costumes. They brought cowbells and drums."

When new cardinals received their red hats, cheers went up.

"There was a huge roar outside from the people there from Houston, Sioux City and Pittsburgh. It was very prayerful, very inspirational but also very exciting to see this person you knew well who is now in this incredible position in the church," said Wharton. "It takes your breath away. It was amazing. I have traveled all over the world with Gateway, but I can tell you that without exception I have never taken a trip that is so meaningful and so enjoyable."

Immediately following was a reception for the two American cardinals - Cardinal DiNardo and Cardinal Foley - at the North American College. Later that afternoon, the papal palace was open and each cardinal was given a room in which people could stop through and offer congratulations.

On Sunday, they attended the Mass of the Rings, which lasted about 1 hour and 45 minutes. Bishop Nickless had arranged for people to get into the basilica. Father Hughes participated in the Mass as a Communion distributor.

The bishop said the ring is significant symbol of the cardinal as it marks their witness to be the bride of the church.

"That Mass was very beautiful with the Sistine Chapel Choir singing," said Father Hughes.

After the liturgy, they were able to speak to Cardinal DiNardo at length.

Bishop Nickless celebrated Mass at the Vatican near the Tomb of John Paul II and the Tomb of St. Peter on Monday morning. He was joined by Sioux City pilgrims some of whom included Father Hughes, Msgr. R. Mark Duchaine, Father Paul-Louis Arts, Father Paul Eisele, Father Jerry Feierfeil, Father Will Vit and Deacon Bob Larsen. Diocesan seminarian, Deacon Shane Deman, who is studying in Rome assisted with the Sioux City delegation. The diocesan pilgrims also attended an audience with the pope and new cardinals. That evening, Bishop Nickless hosted a dinner in honor of the new cardinal. The cardinal's family was also on hand at the dinner.

At the dinner, the bishop proposed a toast on behalf of the diocese. Father Feierfeil offered one on behalf of the clergy and Wharton offered one on behalf of the laity. Wharton acknowledged that he is behind on the cardinal's job titles because he still finds himself referring to the Texas prelate as bishop.

"Cardinal DiNardo talked glowingly about his experiences in Sioux City and how he missed everyone," noted Wharton. "He appreciated all of the good wishes from Sioux City. There were a lot of pictures, a lot of autographs, a lot of laughs - it was a great, great time."

Tuesday, the Sioux City pilgrims attended a Mass of Thanksgiving celebrated by the new cardinal at St. Mary Major and traveled home on Wednesday.

"It's a great sign in that Sioux City has done something well in preparing Cardinal DiNardo for his ministry in the church," said Bishop Nickless. "We taught him how to be a bishop and he will be forever grateful for that and we are forever grateful for the time he spent with us."

Bishop Nickless said he looked forward to the time when Cardinal DiNardo will have a Mass and reception at Cathedral of the Epiphany later this winter.