The heads of the bishops’ conferences of the Philippines and Japan, who were among the 21 new cardinals elevated by Pope Francis during the consistory on Dec. 7, have pleaded for support and prayers.
Cardinals Pablo Virgilio David of Kalookan, Philippines, and Tarcisius Isao Kikuchi of Tokyo, Japan, called on the Catholic faithful in their respective countries to continue praying for them as they embark on their new responsibilities as members of the College of Cardinals.
In his video message, Cardinal David expressed gratitude to the faithful of the Diocese of Kalookan for organizing a prayer vigil to support his preparation for the consistory.
The Filipino prelate, in his blood-like red choir dress, said his new red robe signifies “redemption, which is what the life and mission of Christ is all about.”
“Red is about being ready for the consequences of loving as Jesus has loved us, including suffering and death, if necessary,” said Cardinal David, who is also the incoming vice-president of the Federation of Asian Bishops Conferences.
Cardinals wear red as a symbol of the blood of the martyrs. At a consistory in 1998, Pope John Paul II explained its significance, saying: “Red is a sign of the dignity of the office of a cardinal, signifying that you are ready to act with fortitude, even to the point of shedding your blood for the growth of the Christian faith.”
Cardinal Kikuchi, who serves as the president of Caritas Internationalis, said he is “not strong enough to handle the task that has been given to me, so I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your prayers so far and ask for your continued prayers in the future.”
The new Cardinal of Japan, who belongs to the Society of the Divine Word, had a Thanksgiving lunch at the Vatican with a group of over 60 Japanese pilgrims following a Holy Mass presided over by Pope Francis on Dec. 8.
“I will be returning to Japan on Wednesday, but I would like to report on this series of events again,” he said, adding that he intends to visit his titular church at the Archdiocese of Rome next year “for the investiture ceremony, after coordinating with the parish and the ceremonial office.”
