Prelates mourn death of Cardinal Vidal

FILE: Top officials of the Catholic Church have expressed sadness over the passing of Cebu Archbishop Emeritus Ricardo Cardinal Vidal on Wednesday morning. (Photo: RICARDO J. CARDINAL VIDAL/Facebook)

MANILA — Top officials of the Catholic Church have expressed sadness over the passing of Cebu Archbishop Emeritus Ricardo Cardinal Vidal on Wednesday morning.

Cotabato Archbishop Orlando Cardinal Quevedo, one of the three remaining cardinals of the country, believed that the legacy of the former head of the Archdiocese of Cebu is his own outstanding character.

“For me his legacy is his own outstanding character. Some of these are humility, low profile style; simplicity and approachability; ability to listen even to opposing views; prudence in political issues,” he said.

“Courage in presenting and defending the CBCP position leading to the 1986 People Power; Charity for those considered as “enemies”. Hence, (he is) a true servant-leader rather than a “prince.” the cardinal added,.

On the other hand, CBCP President Archbishop Socrates Villegas noted that the wisdom and humility of the late cardinal should live on.

“His wisdom and his humility, his love for priests and his devotion to the Virgin Mary must live on in us whom he has left behind. Rest well Eminence. Pray for us in the Father’s House,” he said.

The Lingayen-Dagupan prelate added, “Cardinal Vidal cannot die. He who has always shared in the dying and rising of the Lord daily in his priestly life cannot die. He now joins the immortal ones who served the Lord faithfully here on earth.”

Msgr. Joseph Tan, Cebu Archdiocese spokesperson, said Vidal has passed away at 7:26 am, Wednesday, due to infection leading to semiotic shock. He was 86 years old.

Vidal’s wake will be held at the Cebu Cathedral.

Aside from Quevedo, the two other cardinals of the country are Manila Archbishop Emeritus Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales and Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle.