Red birettas worn by cardinals are seen during Mass on the feast of the Epiphany in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican January 6. Pope Benedict XVI will present the red hat to 21 new cardinals — including two from the United States — February 18 during an ordinary consistory. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Something old, something new, something borrowed, and something red will be part of the mix February 18 when Pope Benedict XVI creates new cardinals.

The general format of the consistory has been maintained, but the ceremony has been modified and will include the use of prayers borrowed from ancient Roman liturgies. Cardinal-designate Timothy M. Dolan will even address the College of Cardinals on the subject of new evangelization.

And, of course, red will be the color of the day as the new cardinals are reminded that they are called to give their lives to God and the Church, even to the point of shedding their blood.

Tradition and innovation, solemnity and festivity, high honor, and a call to sacrifice are key parts of the creation of new cardinals.

The hushed moment when a churchman kneels before the pope and receives his red hat as a cardinal contrasts sharply with the mood in the Apostolic Palace that same evening when the public — literally anyone who wants to come — is invited in to congratulate the new cardinals.