Vidal grateful for gift of life at 85

Archbishop Emeritus Ricardo Vidal blows the candles to celebrate his 85th birthday as Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma and some nuns sing a birthday song. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/SAMMY NAVAJA)

On his 85th birthday yesterday, Archbishop Emeritus of Cebu Ricardo Cardinal Vidal only has gratitude to God for the blessings he received throughout his life.

“I thank God that I reached this age sound and healthy. I can still walk. I can still sing,” he told reporters at his retirement home in Sto. Niño Village in Barangay Banilad, Cebu City.

The country’s most senior cardinal presided over a Mass at his private chapel and had lunch with his visitors, mostly  priests and nuns.

Among those present were Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma, Palo Archbishop John Du, Cebu Auxiliary Bishop Oscar Florencio, Bishop Christian Vicente Noel of Talibon in Bohol, and retired Bishops Emilio Bataclan and Antonio Rañola.

At the end of the Mass, the congregation led by the Society of the Angel of Peace sang a birthday song for Vidal, whose spiritual guidance and advice are still sought by Church officials in the country.

The Archdiocese of Cebu is preparing a grand celebration for Vidal who will celebrate his 60th anniversary as a priest on March 17, 2016.

Archbishop Palma yesterday appointed the two vicar generals of Cebu—Msgrs. Daniel Sanico and Rey Penagunda—to be on top of the preparations for the big event next month.

“Cardinal Vidal has truly been a shepherd to God’s people in Cebu for many years. We are happy for the gift of life he has been endowed with. But more importantly, we are glad that Cardinal Vidal offered his life in service of the people in the archdiocese,” Palma said.

In his homily, Vidal said he has been a recipient of God’s blessings, including an opportunity to participate in the recently-concluded International Eucharistic Congress (IEC) in Cebu City.

Cardinal Vidal shares a light moment with Archbishop Palma. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/SAMMY NAVAJA)

The prelate said he’s also thankful for the people whom he met when he was the archbishop of Cebu and those who continue to visit him in his retirement home.

“Through this gift of life, we have come to know each other as a circle of family, relatives, brothers in the ministry and friends,” he said.

“As we rejoice in this celebration of life, let us also continue to reflect in our lives whether we have put to good use the time God has given us in this world by learning the ways of genuine, unconditional love,” he added.

Vidal was born on Feb. 6, 1931 in Mogpog, Marinduque and was ordained as priest on March 17, 1956, a bishop on Nov. 30, 1971 and a cardinal on May 25, 1985.

He first came to Cebu in 1981 when he was coadjutor archbishop and was installed as Cebu archbishop on Sept. 18, 1982 after the death of Julio Cardinal Rosales.

Vidal retired in 2011 and was replaced by Archbishop Palma.