Cardinal Collins Celebrates 50 Years of Priesthood

His Eminence, Cardinal Thomas Collins, Archbishop-Emeritus of Toronto, today celebrates his 50^th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood.

Born and raised in Guelph, Ontario, Collins obtained a Bachelor of Arts (English) from St. Jerome College in Waterloo in 1969. In 1973 he obtained two degrees, a M.A. (English) from the University of Western Ontario and a Bachelor of Theology from St. Peter's Seminary in London, Ontario. That same year he was ordained to the priesthood on May 5, 1973 in the Cathedral of Christ the King, Hamilton, by Most Reverend Paul Reding.

He became a Bishop in 1997 and served in Alberta before coming to serve as Archbishop of Toronto in 2007.

Pope Benedict XVI elevated Collins to the College of Cardinals in 2012.

Cardinal Collins retired as Archbishop of Toronto earlier this year.

Congratulations on your anniversary, Cardinal Collins - may God continue to bless you always!