CEBU CITY, Philippines – As Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal marked his 37th episcopal ordination anniversary at a mass held on Sunday at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, he received plaudits for his pastoral work from a representative of Pope Benedict XVI in the Philippines, Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams.

“Cardinal Vidal has exercised the fullness of his priesthood. He has shared his joys and hope and the tribulations of God's people,” Archbishop Adams said in a short speech before the end of the Mass.

Adams, who was in Cebu to attend Vidal's anniversary celebration and book launching, described Vidal as a “beacon of hope” and said his role as prelate to Cebu province was “like being a father of a large family.”

“A father to each and every person entrusted to his care,” he added.

Adams was one of the concelebrants at yesterday's mass that marked the 37th year as priest of Cardinal Vidal, who will turn 78 next year.

Vidal tendered a courtesy resignation when he turned 75 in February 2006, but Pope Benedict XVI asked him to stay on as Cebu's archbishop.

The other bishops present were Cebu Auxiliary bishops Emilio Bataclan and Julito Cortes, Calbayog Bishop Isabelo Abarquez, Dumaguete Bishop John Du and Bishop Emeritus of Tandag Ireneo Amalito, CSSR.

They were joined by more than 20 priests from various towns and municipalities in Cebu along with members of various religious congregations.

“For those who love the Lord, there is no more noble a test than to be a bishop whose work is in building a community, to keep the people united and nourished to sustain its life and growth. Thank you for the sacraments that you have administered all these years. The good that you have planted. Thank for being a beacon of hope,” Adams added.

Cardinal Vidal, in his homily, expressed gratitude for the prayers of the people.

“Here in the Archdiocese of Cebu, I, for one, am happy for the fact that every Mass you pray 'Lord make us grow in love together with Benedict our Pope. And Ricardo, our bishop.'. I hope you do more than just pray for me, with faith, hope and charity. (So that) whenever I stand, for what is true and beautiful, I will know that I am not standing alone,” he said.

Vidal was ordained bishop by the late Archbishop Carmine Rocco, who was Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines from 1967 to 1973 on November 30, 1971.

Since his ordination as bishop, Vidal has been assigned to the dioceses of Malolos and Lipa and was coadjutor Archbishop of Cebu on April 13, 1981. He succeeded as Archbishop of Cebu the following year.

Vidal, who was born in Mogpog, Marinduque, was elevated to the College of Cardinal in May 1985.