Cardinals converging for Mass, fundraiser

Many of the country's Roman Catholic cardinals are expected to gather in Las Vegas on Friday to participate in a public Mass and black-tie fundraiser for The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.

The event marks the first time the annual American Cardinals Dinner, which raises scholarship money for Catholic University students, will take place in Las Vegas.

Also during the dinner, Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada will receive the $10,000 American Cardinals Encouragement Award, which recognizes faith-based initiatives that reflect Christian values.

The activities begin with a 4 p.m. Mass at the Shrine of the Most Holy Redeemer, 55 E. Reno Ave. Las Vegas Bishop Joseph Pepe and attending cardinals will concelebrate the Mass, which is open to the public.

At 6 p.m., the cardinals will attend a reception at the Four Seasons, 3960 Las Vegas Blvd. South. A black-tie dinner will follow at 7 p.m.

Each year, a different U.S. diocese hosts the fundraiser, which in the 17 years since its inception has raised more than $21 million for Catholic University student scholarships and financial aid.

The event traditionally features all or most of the seven cardinals who serve as archbishops of U.S. dioceses and who also serve as members of Catholic University's board of trustees.

Scheduled to attend this year's event, according to the Very Rev. David M. O'Connell, president of The Catholic University of America, are: Cardinal Roger Mahony, archbishop of Los Angeles; Cardinal Adam Maida, archbishop of Detroit; Cardinal Edward Egan, archbishop of New York; Cardinal Justin Rigali, archbishop of Philadelphia; and Cardinal Sean O'Malley, archbishop of Boston.

Also scheduled to attend are Archbishop Pietro Sambi, apostolic nuncio to the United States; the Most Rev. Donald W. Wuerl, archbishop of Washington and Catholic University chancellor; and the Most. Rev. William E. Lori, bishop of the Diocese of Bridgeport, Conn., and president of the Catholic University board of trustees.

The Catholic University of America, founded in 1887, is the national university of the Catholic Church in America. It is the only institution of higher education founded by U.S. bishops.