Poetic homily for Vidal

Homilies do not commonly receive applause but the word of sermon of Monsignor Achilles Dakay, former Cebu archdiocese spokesperson, was an exception.

His homily during the evening requiem mass on October 23 was brief but full of expressions of gratitude for the late Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, who was then the Cebu archbishop when he served as media liaison officer.

Dakay has witnessed how the late cardinal toiled so hard to enrich the religiosity of the faithful and the formation of the clergy of an archdiocese that is now considered as the largest in the country.

His 4-minute homily was delivered like a poem.

“In moments like this, silence is the better sermon. In silence therefore… we continue to view with reverence a mortal body of His Eminence. Eighty six years, eight months and 12 days old all spent in selfless serving without expecting anything in return,” said Dakay.

He said Vidal may be small in size but has a big heart; he may be short in stature but was tall of courage that is in choosing God's truth not only in matters of faith and morals but even in the aspects of economics and in the arena of politics.

“In moments like this, silence is the better sermon. In silence therefore… with glad and grateful hearts, together we say, ‘thank you,Your Eminence' for the Archdiocese of Cebu is now with a clergy strong and solid and with a laity faithful and fruitful in more ways than one,” he said.

The Cebu Archdiocese is currently considered as the largest in the country with its number of baptized Catholics and ordained clerics.

“In moments like this, silence is the better sermon. In silence therefore… we thank you, Your Eminence for your sincere devotion that you have shown to us and shared with us the Santo Niño de Cebu and the Our Lady of Guadalupe.”

Vidal continually led the faithful in several religious activities to strengthen their faith and devotion to the Child Jesus and His mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary.

“In moments like this, silence is the better sermon. In silence therefore… as we know thank God for the immortal soul of a very good priest, a generous archbishop, a gracious cardinal, who has loved us all without measure which we could only try to repaint.”

"Monsignor Dakay here, over and out," he said to signal that his sermon was over.

On the other hand, Vidal's former private secretary disclosed at least four expressions showing his humility amidst anger which the public didn't know until his death.

Rev. Fr. Mhar Vincent Balili, the Vice Postulator for the Cause of Canonization of Archbishop Teofilo Camomot, made the revelation during the 888 News Forum at Marco Polo Plaza yesterday.

Fr. Balili was the private secretary of Vidal in 2004 up to 2009.

First is “sasama ka?” which Balili said the expression of Vidal when holding a mass allowing a person to agree or not.

“He does not force people,” Balili said. Second is “oy, kunyari lang yun” which Balili said the expression of Vidal when informed that all his things for the mass are ready.

Third is “bahala ka” which according to Balili, was said politely allowing a person to make his own decision.

Lastly is “what can we do?” when something is not successfully done.

“He seldom got angry. Malibog ka, it's either nasuko or wa ganahi, so unsa pa nga humana man?” Balili said.