CITE Mourns Cardinal Vidal’s Death

BLESSINGArchbishop Emeritus Ricardo J. Cardinal Vidal has a special place in our hearts. Cardinal Vidal,  a leader of Catholics in Cebu for 29 years, passed away on October 18 at the age of 86 at the Perpetual Succour Hospital in Cebu City leaving an irreplaceable void in the Catholic fabric.

But Cardinal Vidal remains as one of the strongholds during the 1987 political unrest that led to EDSA revolution. As president of Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, he was renowned for issuing the statement: “Vox Populi, Vox Dei”  (the voice of the people is the voice of God) to ease up the tensions amidst the turbulent time brought about by the snap elections.

Pope Francis in his latest commu, has extended his condolences noting the Cardinal’s devotion as true servant-leader:

“Joining with you in expressing profound gratitude for the late Cardinal’s untiring and devoted service to the Church, and for his constant advocacy of dialogue and peace for all the people in the Philippines, I commend his soul to the infinite love and mercy of our heavenly Father,” the Pontiff said.

Cardinal Vidal’s interment will be held on Oct. 26 at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral at 9 a.m.  Cardinal Vidal officiated the blessing of CITE in 1992 with Mrs. Maia dela Cerna, wife of then Cebu Governor Vicente “Tingting” dela Cerna as special guest.