Archbishop Edwin O'Brien Elevated to Cardinal Rank
Emmitsburg, Maryland – Mount St. Mary’s University extends congratulations to Archbishop Edwin F. O’Brien on his elevation to the College of Cardinals by Pope Benedict XVI.
“Archbishop O’Brien has been a wonderful shepherd for the Archdiocese of Baltimore. It is a richly deserved recognition,” says Thomas H. Powell, president of Mount St. Mary’s University. “We are particularly proud as he has been the Chancellor of our Seminary and a member of the Board of Trustees. He has been very helpful during my presidency, and has played an active role in helping us maintain our Catholic identity.”
Cardinal-designate Edwin F. O’Brien, Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Baltimore and Pro Grand Master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem has served on the Mount’s Board of Trustee’s and as the Seminary Chancellor since 2007. He was named 15th Archbishop of Baltimore and served from October 2007 until August 2011 when the Pope appointed him Pro Grand Master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem. He is presently the Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Baltimore and will continue to lead the diocese until his successor is installed.
As a cardinal, Cardinal-designate O’Brien will serve as one of the Pope’s primary consultants and will be eligible to vote for a new pope. His formal elevation to the College of Cardinals will be held during ceremonies on February 18th and 19th of 2012 in Rome.
Archbishop O’Brien has been a strong supporter of Mount St. Mary’s University, the Mount St. Mary’s University Seminary and the National Shrine Grotto of Lourdes since his appointment as Archbishop of Baltimore. He recently celebrated the Rededication Mass at the Mount’s Chapel of the Immaculate Conception (photo).
