Cardinal-designate to be Keynote Speaker at the HCEF Conference Awards Banquet
On October 20, 2010 Pope Benedict XVI named Washington’s Archbishop Donald W. Wuerl to the College of Cardinals. As Cardinal-designate he will serve as an advisor to the Pope and will be eligible to vote in a Papal election until his 80th birthday.
Cardinal-designate Wuerl said, “This truly is an honor for the Archdiocese of Washington, the Church in the nation’s capital, and for all of the clergy, religious and parishioners of this local Church who every day live out their faith in commitment and deep love for Christ. I am humbled by our Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI’s trust in me as shepherd of this flock and pledge to him my renewed fidelity, affection and loyalty.”
Speaking on behalf of The Holy Land Christian Ecumenical Foundation, HCEF President Rateb Rabie commented, “All of us at HCEF are elated with this announcement. We extend our heart-felt congratulations to Cardinal-designate Wuerl. During his stewardship of the Archdiocese of Washington, he continues to be a champion of interfaith dialogue to promote peace in the Holy Land and a committed supporter of the Christians there.”
Cardinal-designate Wuerl will be the Keynote Speaker at the HCEF Awards Banquet on Friday, November 5, 2010 at the Bethesda Marriott. The Awards Banquet is held in conjunction with the 12th International Conference on the Holy Land, which will be held at the Pope John Paul II Cultural Center in Washington, DC.
Cardinal-designate Wuerl is known nationally for his catechetical and teaching ministry and for his efforts on behalf of Catholic education. He is the author of numerous articles and books, including the best-selling catechisms, The Teaching of Christ and The Catholic Way.
He serves on numerous national and international bodies, including as chancellor of The Catholic University of America and chairman of the board of the Pope John Paul II Cultural Center. He is chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Doctrine and a member of the USCCB Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Commissariat of the Holy Land for the United States and has visited the Holy Land on a number of occasions. In April 2008 he hosted in Washington Pope Benedict XVI on his historic journey to the U.S.
For complete details of the conference, speakers and associated venues, please visit the HCEF website: www.hcef.org or click on these helpful links:
