More than a 1,000 well wishers packed St. Michael's Cathedral Wednesday morning for a special mass celebrating a Toronto priest's elevation to the College of Cardinals.

Thomas Collins, 65, became the 16th Canadian to be elevated to the position of cardinal during a ceremony at the Vatican on February 18.

An elite group of advisers handpicked by the Pope, cardinals are responsible for selecting the Pope's successor.

They are also the group from which the next pope would be chosen.

"This is indeed an occasion of great joy in my life and for my family, but particularly for our whole community of faith in the Archdiocese of Toronto as well as our country as a whole," Collins told the congregation Wednesday. "This I think is a recognition of our role as a country within the universal church throughout the world, one which is made very clear by the important role Canada plays when it comes to helping and serving others."

Wednesday's mass is being attended by 28 bishops and more than 400 priests from the Archdiocese of Toronto.

Dignitaries include Lieutenant Governor of Ontario David Onley, Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Hudak, Toronto Mayor Rob Ford and Toronto Police Chief Bill Blair.