Vidal urges faithful: Protect values of Cebuano youths

He may be retired, but Cebu archbishop emeritus Ricardo  Cardinal Vidal isn’t resting on his laurels.

In launching his fourth book “I’m Old, You’re Still Young” last Saturday evening, Vidal called on the Cebuano Catholic faithful to help educate and instill Christian values among their youth.

“The Cebuano youth are the future and the present  of the Church. They should be laden with values,” Vidal told the 600 guests who attended last Saturday’s dinner for a cause and book launching.

Vidal’s book chronicles the dialogue between Cebu’s former chief shepherd with the youth on issues like the Reproductive Health bill, the social role of.media and its influence on the young.

In his speech, Vidal said he got the book’s title from a song in which the son is thinking of his destiny and the father is guiding him.

“You will still be here tomorrow, but your dreams may not,” he said.

With their access and frequent use of information technology, Vidal said the youth may feel that they wont  learn anything from the older generation.

“Values renewal should be the bedrock of the youth.” he said.

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma said the youth would always have a special place in the Church since they make up majority of the faithful.

“They are a potent force in proclaiming the word of the Lord,” he said during his speech.

He said the youth’s enthusiasm and the capacity to dream and believe that something better can be attained would move the Church forward.

“We are a young church so we have so much energy,” he said.

The book which costs P450 was distributed to guests.

Msgr. Arthur Navales, chairman on the Commision on Youth of the Cebu Archdiocese, said proceeds will pay for the construction of the youth center on the side of the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral.

Navales said the two story building is already 70 percent complete and will open by October of this month.

He said they still need an additional P1.3 million to complete the building.

The youth center would offer courses like tourism, Hotel and Restaurant Management.

Navales said the center will also house various formation activities. Reporter Candeze R. Mongaya