At 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 29, 2021, His Eminence. Cardinal Mauro GAMBETTI, OFM Conv., took possession of the Title of the Church of the Santissimo Nome di Maria al Foro Traiano [Most Holy Name of Mary at the Trajan Forum].
In keeping with ancient tradition, cardinals of the Holy Roman Church become linked to a Church in Rome. They may be given Title of one of Rome’s suburbicarian dioceses, that is, a diocese directly dependent upon the Holy See, or they may be given the Title to parish church or rectory in the city of Rome. When one is made a cardinal, the Holy Father associates that individual with a Title according to his rank within the Order of Cardinals, namely, a cardinal bishop, a cardinal priest or a cardinal deacon. In the Consistory, the Holy Father gives the “Title”, that is, the parchment which declares the cardinal’s creation, his rank, and the name of the church which is entrusted to him.
Thus, on the eve of the Solemnity of the Holy Trinity, Cardinal GAMBETTI, in choir dress, left the Friary of the Twelve Holy Apostles to go to the nearby Church of the Santissimo Nome di Maria, where he was welcomed by its Rector, Father Romano MATRONE. The rite of venerating the Cross took place, followed by the faithful being sprinkled with holy water and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament before the tabernacle. Just before the start of the Pontifical Solemn Mass, Father Fortunato FREZZA, a Canon of St. Peter’s Basilica, read the Title, and the Rector, Father Romano, greeted the Cardinal. Those concelebrating included several Canons from St. Peter’s, the Pastor of the Basilica of the Twelve Holy Apostles, Friar Agnello STOIA, and other priests from the nearby rectories. The solemn celebration was led by the Pontifical Master of Ceremonies, Father Lubomir WELNITZ. Our confreres from the Seraphicum provided liturgical service, and musical liturgy was animated by the choir of the Vicariate of Vatican City. At the end of the rite, the record of the canonical possession of the Title was read by the Master of Ceremonies and signed by those present. The festive evening concluded with a toast in the hall of the Archconfraternity of the Santissimo Nome di Maria.
Friar Maurizio DI PAOLO
