Cardinal Vidal Marks 30th Year as Cardinal

Cebu Archbishop Emeritus Ricardo Cardinal Vidal celebrated his 30th anniversary on Monday as cardinal by officiating a mass in his home at Sto. Niño Village, Barangay Banilad, Cebu City.

Vidal, 84, expressed his gratitude, especially to the Lord for his good health.

“I thank God that I’m strong enough, to be able to say a Mass, to stand, to walk, and be able think yet straight, in spite of my age of 84,” Vidal said.

Vidal became a cardinal in 1985 and retired as Cebu archbishop in October 2010.

Two months after his retirement, the Senate honored Vidal through a resolution commending him for his service to the people.

“It is resolved by the Senate, to honor Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, Archbishop of Cebu, for his service to the people of Cebu, providing spiritual leadership and inspiration, helping the community avert or survive several crises and conflicts, often acting as a peacekeeper and giving the voice of moderation amid clashing views and interests in local and national issues,” the resolution read.

Vidal’s successful intervention in military coups, labor disputes and other conflicts earned him the title of “The Peacekeeper,” said then Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile during the approval of the resolution. (PNA) FPV/EB/EDS