Vidal turns 82, gets 2 new assignments

Life is good for Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, who celebrated his 82nd birthday with a Mass at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral yesterday.

About 30 priests and six bishops in red vestments joined Vidal’s birthday Mass which ended with the congregation singing “Happy Birthday.”

“Every year added is a gift. It is never an achievement. I thank the Lord, therefore, for giving me another year. Life has been good to me. Now, I must ask myself what can I give to life as a gift?” Vidal said.

The prelate said that question should be asked by everyone since its answer will determine “whether we go through life asking for more, or we walk the path with kindness and gratitude,” Vidal said.

Vidal was given two new tasks by Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma.

Palma asked him to lead the preparations for the 51st International Eucharistic Congress in Cebu in 2016 and the beatification process of Cebuano Bishop Teofilo Camomot and Bishop Alfredo Obviar of Lucena.

“Your Eminence, I know you’re 82 years old. But because of your experience, expertise, and influence, please continue serving the universal Church and the beloved Church of Cebu,” he said.

Palma, also concurrent president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, lauded Vidal for successfully spearheading the canonization activities of St. Pedro Calungsod last year.

Vidal presided over yesterday’s 10 a.m. Mass and was later serenaded by the University of the Visayas Chorale led by its president Jose “Dodong” Gullas.

In his homily, Vidal thanked the Lord for a chance to live another year.

“Another year is added to my years. As another year passes and another one sets in, I strive to rekindle within me the sense of wonder inherent in a child for time is God’s greatest gift to us,” he said. Vidal said he has the opportunity to become better, to grow in wisdom, and to deepen his relationship with the Lord.

Concelebrating with Vidal were Palma, Palo Archbishop John Du, and Bishops Julito Cortes, Emilio Bataclan, Antonio Rañola, and Christian Vicente Noel.

“Serving Cardinal Vidal brings great opportunity to see the reality of the beauty of the priesthood. Through his guidance and example, he showed me how to become a servant of God,” said Fr. Mhar Balili, who used to be the cardinal’s assistant.

Vidal retired in 2011 and was replaced by Archbishop Palma.

The cardinal was born on Feb. 6, 1931 in Mogpo , Marinduque.

He was ordained as priest on March 17, 1956 and a bishop on Nov. 30, 1971.

Vidal first came to Cebu in 1981 when he was appointed coadjutor archbishop.

He was installed as Cebu archbishop on Sept. 18, 1982 after the death of Julio Cardinal Rosales.