Historical Moment
Family witnesses archbishop becoming first Texas Cardinal
By QUALA MATOCHA lifestyle@leader-news.com

Michael and Jackie Watz of El Campo met Archbishop Daniel N. DiNardo, center, for the first time after he was elevated to the position of cardinal in Rome. They attended all the festivities in Vatican City with other family members, including Michael's mother Margaret Watz, and his sisters and brother-in-law. DiNardo of the Galveston-Houston Diocese becomes the first Texas cardinal. Contributed Photo

There were many firsts for the Watz family who traveled to Rome together last month. It was their first opportunity to visit Vatican City; first time to vacation as a family; and a chance to witness history in the making as Archbishop Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston was the first Catholic religious leader from Texas to become a cardinal.

DiNardo was the youngest of 23 churchmen from around the world to be elevated to cardinal and the Watz family was there when he received the symbolic red hat (biretta) and cardinal ring bringing him to one of the highest positions in the Catholic church.

Margaret Watz of El Campo, along with her children and in-laws, Michael Watz and wife Jackie, Karen Gray and husband Richard and Peggy Reckaway, made plans to be there for this historic event.

Contributed Photo All In The Family Celebrating their time together in Rome for Archbishop Daniel N. DiNardo's ceremony that elevated him to the position of cardinal were members of Margaret Watz' family. Pictured left to right are Richard and Karen Gray, son-in-law and daughter; Peggy Reckaway, daughter; Margaret Watz, and Michael and Jackie Watz, son and daughter-in-law.

However, there was one catch. Margaret wasn't sure she would get to go after visiting with her cardiologist.

"My heart-ticker was the problem," she said.

But when Jackie insisted she would be using a wheelchair during the duration of the trip, Margaret was given permission to go.

"That wheelchair was the ticket to all the events," Margaret said. She had front seat access, along with one family member who was allowed to push her to the prime spot for viewing.

"We were up front with the Pope (Benedict XVI)," Margaret said.

"We were celebrating the history of what our children will be studying," Jackie added.

Flying out of Houston on Thanksgiving Day, the Watz family spent seven days on their tour, attending events at St. Peter's Basilica, St. John in Lateran Basilica, Church of Santa Maria in Traspontina and Basilica of St. Mary Major, as well as a luncheon and reception honoring DiNardo at Cecilia Metella Restaurant.

DiNardo was very personable, according to Michael. He was attentive to the person he was having conversation with. He is now a member of the College of Cardinals, who serve as the principal advisory board to the Pope.

Each day presented new opportunities for the family.

Standing in long lines with rude spectators was one experience that dampened the

Without a tour ticket, admittance would be denied to the basilicas. But once inside these majestic buildings, the waiting was well worth it as family members described the massive golden altars, paintings on the ceilings, large statues and columns.

Upon their arrival in Rome, Friday, Nov. 23, they celebrated Mass at the Basilica de San Giovnni in Laterano (St. John in Lateran Basilica), one of the four major basilicas.

The next day they attended the consistory where DiNardo received the red biretta. Day four they attended the "Mass of the Rings." On Monday they were present for the Mass for the papal audience.

The remainder of the day was spent sight-seeing. Tuesday they witnessed the Archdiocesan Mass of Thanksgiving celebrated by Cardinal DiNardo at Basilica of St. Mary Major, followed by a reception and dinner where they met the cardinal.

Attending the special services, Margaret said, "It was just so awesome. I just can't describe the feelings. It just took my breath away to be able to be that close to our Holy Father, the head of the church."

Jackie recalls the Pope's simple message to take home and share "We need more love, unity and peace."

Among the crowd of faithful Catholics, the Watz family grew close to one group also celebrating a first for their country. Iraqi Christians were there in support of 80-year-old Emannuel III Delly, a Chaldean Patriarch of Baghdad who became the first cardinal from Iraq.

"We had a common bond," said Michael.

"We had something in common, yet so far away from each other," Jackie added. "Iraqis and Americans sat side-byside."

As an honorary member of the clergy of Rome, each cardinal is assigned to a Roman parish. They become, in essence, the honorary pastor of that church and are charged to pray for the spiritual well-being of its faithful and to see to the material well-being of its structures. Cardinal DiNardo's coat of arms will be displayed on the church's façade, together with those of the Pope, and the new cardinal will be expected to take formal possession of the parish at a later date.

While the trip included many firsts for the family, they were missing the patriarch of their own family, the late Floyd Watz.

"Our trip was three-fold," Michael said. "We attended the consistory, we had a quality trip with family and we were there in memory of our dad who died earlier this year." His father was stationed in Italy during World War II.

"I could see where our troops would have walked," Michael said, and actually where his father once walked.