Catholics queue to view the remains of Cardinal Ricardo Vidal at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Cebu City.—TONEE DESPOJO
The Archdiocese of Manila and the Diocese of Balanga will be offering Masses for the repose of the soul of Cebu Archbishop Emeritus Cardinal Ricardo Vidal, who passed away on Oct. 18 at 86.
“Masses will be offered for the soul of Cardinal Vidal here at the Manila Cathedral until Oct. 26,” said Fr. Reginald Malicdem, the church’s rector.
Manila Archbishop Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, who expressed his sympathies at the passing of Vidal, said: “We will always be thankful to God for sending us a teacher of peace and humility. We trust that the merciful Lord would grant him eternal rewards in His presence.”
Vidal died on Wednesday morning at the Intensive Care Unit of the Perpetual Succour Hospital in Cebu City due to septic shock caused by massive infections.
The wake at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral will be moved to Oct. 21 to the St. Pedro Calungsod Shrine at the archbishop’s residence and is open for public viewing.
Interment will be held on Oct. 26 at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral at 9 a.m. His remains will be interred in a mausoleum at the back of the church’s sacristy.
Prayers, Holy Masses
Balanga Bishop Ruperto Santos said his diocese would also be offering Masses for the late cardinal.
“The Diocese of Balanga remembers our good Cardinal Vidal in our prayers and Holy Masses,” he said.
Pope Francis will be sending a Papal Legate to represent him during the interment of Vidal next week, Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma said over the Church-run Radio Veritas.
“We are sure to have three cardinals present at the funeral. We are also expecting the announcement of the Papal Legate as to who will represent the Holy Father on the day of the funeral,” said Palma.
Aside from the Papal Legate, expected to be at the interment are: Manila Archbishop Emeritus Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales, Tagle, and Cotabato Archbishop Cardinal Orlando Quevedo.
The Pontiff is expected to give a message through his Papal Legate.