Graves of Vidal’s parents still cared for

Caretaker Hector Quiamco looks over the grave of Fructuoso Vidal Sr., the father of Cebu Archbishop Emeritus Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, and two other graves of the late prelate’s family at the Carreta Cemetery. (CDN Photo/Ador Vincent Mayol)

Even with him gone, the graves of the parents of Cebu Archbishop Emeritus Ricardo Cardinal Vidal were cleaned and prepared for yesterday’s All Saints’ Day and today’s All Souls’ Day observance.

The grave caretaker, Hector Quiamco, said he makes sure that the graves of Vidal’s father Fructuoso Sebastian Vidal Sr., the cardinal’s aunt and sister were prepared ahead of the holidays.

Vidal, who was buried last October 26, was known to visit the graves of his loved ones at the Carreta Cemetery every November 2.

“Bisan wala na siya (Vidal), ako gihapon nga gipadayon ang tahas nga iyang gihatag kanako (Even if Cardinal Vidal is gone, I still continue the task he gave me),” Quiamco said.

Quiamco, Vidal’s relative and an employee of the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, said he had been cleaning the graves of Vidal’s father, sister and aunt for the past two decades.

Last Tuesday, Quiamco bought flowers and candles which he placed at the grave of Vidal’s family.

Nuns of the Missionary Catechists of St. Therese visited the graves of Vidal’s father, sister and aunt last Tuesday morning.

Quiamco said Vidal earlier planned to transfer the remains of his father, sister and aunt to their hometown in Mogpog town, Marinduque, but it did not materialize.

He said it is now up to Vidal’s younger sibling Juanito to decide whether or not to transfer the remains of their father, sister and aunt to Marinduque where their deceased mother and other siblings are buried.

“Ambot kon unsay ilang plano, apan samtang naa pa ni diri, padayon ko mangalagad niini (I don’t know what their plans are. But as long as the remains are here, I will continue to serve them),” Quiamco said.

When Vidal was appointed coadjutor archbishop of Cebu in 1981, Quiamco said the prelate decided to bring his father, sister and aunt with him.

The cardinal’s mother died ahead of his father, who reached the age of 104.

Quiamco said Vidal will be fondly remembered for being a humble leader who didn’t want to engage in any conflict.

“Mapasayloon kaayo siya og masinabtanon. Dili gyud to siya gusto og samok (He was forgiving and understanding. He didn’t want conflict),” he said.

Although it pained him to see Vidal pass away, Quiamco said he’s happy that the cardinal has gone home to God’s embrace.

“Basin mahimo siyang santos (Maybe, he will become a saint),” he said.