On Sunday, Sept. 1, Pope Francis announced a consistory for the creation of new cardinals on Oct. 5. While this is exciting news for the global church, it also unfortunately means that Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle will no longer be able to be present for Catholic Charities, Diocese of Camden’s 16th Annual Justice for All Awards Dinner, to be held on Oct. 3. While we were thrilled at the thought of welcoming His Eminence to Southern New Jersey to be honored, we at Catholic Charities, the sponsor of the event, understand that his presence is necessary in Rome as Pope Francis has summoned prelates from around the world that week to introduce them to these 13 new cardinals.
Cardinal Tagle is most regretful that he will not be present for an event so meaningful to the many who enthusiastically awaited his visit. Although His Eminence will not be attending the dinner physically, he will still be honored by Catholic Charities. Just as his work and leadership transcends nations and oceans, so does his spirit and his influence.
We prayerfully hope that those who already planned on attending the dinner will still attend the Justice for All Awards Dinner to honor Cardinal Tagle and his work, as well as the other individuals who will be awarded for their works of mercy on a local level. The evening will be inspiring, invigorating and, most importantly, all funds raised from the dinner directly help the poorest of our brothers and sisters here in the Camden Diocese.
On behalf of Cardinal Tagle, we apologize for the disappointing news. But we understand that the Lord had other plans for His Eminence, and we pray for both him and for those who will benefit from the Justice for All Dinner.
Mary McCusker is marketing and communications coordinator, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Camden.