The World Day of Prayer for Vocations was celebrated in Rome with the priestly ordination of 11 men.
But it was also a parting celebration for Vicar General, Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, appointed by the Pope as head of the Apostolic Penitentiary. One of the auxiliary bishops of Rome, Baldo Reina, made a public prayer at the end of the Mass to thank the cardinal for his years of service.
Your presence in our diocese from your first stages of priestly life has been a ray of your love, Lord.
Cardinal De Donatis previously led the spiritual exercises for the Roman Curia in 2014. Pope Francis appointed him auxiliary bishop of Rome in 2015 and in 2017, Vicar General.
It is unclear why the Pope decided to re-assign him and temporarily leave the Roman diocese without a vicar.
JRB
TR: KG
