Six U.S. cardinals were in Chicago on April 27 to celebrate a national institution that is 125 years old — the Catholic University of America.

Cardinal Francis George of Chicago hosted Cardinals Sean O’Malley of Boston, Daniel Di- Nardo of Galveston-Houston, Timothy Dolan of New York, Donald Wuerl of Washington, D.C., and retired Cardinal Roger Mahony of Los Angeles at the 23rd Annual American Cardinals Dinner, held at the Hilton Chicago, 720 S. Michigan Ave.

More than 400 people attended the black-tie dinner, which raised $1 million for student scholarships. Also in attendance was Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, apostolic nuncio to the United States, and John Garvey, president of Catholic University of America.

Before the dinner, the cardinals and archbishop celebrated Mass at Holy Name Cathedral. Several dozen priests concelebrated along with retired Chicago Auxiliary Bishops Timothy Lyne and Raymond Goedert.

During his homily Cardinal George asked, “Are you saved?” and recalled the first time he was asked that question by a fellow Christian. He answered yes to that question, but with an explanation.

“Yes, Jesus has certainly done his work. We are objectively saved. I know that Jesus is Lord but I cannot understand what that means, how that is true, outside the community that is shaped by his actions — the school of love that makes my faith alive.”

Cardinal George also reflected upon the “dialogue between intellect and virtue,” which he said President Garvey has focused on during his first years in leadership.

“Each [intellect and virtue] is fully alive only in dialogue with one another. Truth should not be cold. Love should not be blind. Truth and love, mind and heart, faith and charity — each of us lives in their intersection in different ways. Some lead with the mind. Some lead with the heart. But everyone ends doing the truth in love as St. Paul reminds us.”

In his welcome remarks at the dinner, Cardinal George praised the university’s faculty, staff and students. He said the university has been strengthened by Garvey’s work as president.

“It is a source of great pride for the American bishops,” Cardinal George said.

This is the third time Chicago has hosted the annual event, which is held in a different city each year. Washington, D.C. will host next year’s dinner.

During the dinner Cardinal George presented Christine and Richard Guzior with the inaugural Cardinal’s Appreciation Award. The Chicago couple have donated time and resources to many major local church endeavors such as the Archdiocesan Finance Council and Mundelein Seminary.

Catholic University is the national university of the Catholic Church and the only higher education institution founded by the U.S. bishops. It was established in 1887 as a papally chartered graduate and research center.