Vidal has virtues of a “holy man”
On the day of All Saints' Day, several Catholics visited the tomb of the late Ricardo Cardinal Vidal — a man many remember lived a virtuous life.
Rose Congson, 62, a catechist from San Narciso Parish in Consolacion, Cebu, made sure to drop by the mausoleum at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral before visiting her departed loved ones at the cemetery.
"We are here because of our love for the cardinal," said Congson, who came to visit with her husband and son.
And through his pastoral ministry, Vidal was a good shepherd reaching out and gathering his flock and provide them enlightenment to draw them closer to God, she added.
For Congson, who has less personal encounter with Vidal but has come to love him, the late cardinal was closer to a saint.
She has admired the late cardinal and she saw how Vidal manifested virtues of a holy man during his lifetime.
Vidal, during his living years, offered his life for others, and Cebu Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Emilio Bataclan has attested to it.
During the 5 p.m. Mass yesterday at the mausoleum, the retired prelate shared how Vidal denied himself of ease of life for others like San Pedro Calungsod and a candidate for sainthood, Archbishop Teofilo Camomot.
One of the highlights of Vidal's episcopacy was the canonization of San Pedro Calungsod being the main initiators to raise the latter to the altars of saints.
The most recent was when Vidal went to Rome even during winter season to ask for updates on the cause for beatification process of Camomot.
Bataclan believed that because of that event, Vidal fell ill to pneumonia.
"He suffered too much... He forgets of himself for the glory of others," he said.
Celebrating the feast of all saints yesterday was intended by the Church because they lead as models that people can imitate, said Monsignor Ruben Labajo, the head of Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral's team ministry.
In his homily during the 12 p.m. Mass celebrated at Carreta Cemetery, Labajo depicted saints as purely humans, who are also imperfect and bound to sin.
“But in their own ways, they strive to live in obedience with God's will and desire,” he said.
In following the Lord, Labajo said Catholics are reminded that there is something good to look forward after death — that is heaven or eternal life.
He said this idea should be the aim of every living faithful, who on Earth still has a chance to be righteous and be free of sin.
If one commits a wrongdoing, he may reconcile all these with God and thrive to amend his life.
But the way leading to heaven is difficult, said Labajo, because it entails trials and suffering but people refuse to sacrifice and endure the pain.
"All of us want to go to heaven but only a few were granted... Some stray away from the path to heaven. But as what they say, ang magantos, masantos (those who sacrifice eventually becomes saints)," said Labajo.
Congson added that Vidal has influenced much the religious life of ordinary people, describing him as God-sent made as instrument to bridge the faithful closer to God.
She said she only gets to see Vidal when he presides over Masses during the parish's feast day but she's always left in awe by his aura of his sanctity and spirituality.
"He has deepened our faith to God. And through the testimonies of other people, we learn that he has brought goodness not only to Cebu but to the entire nation," he said.
Congson said Vidal embodies the good values of a faithful Christian and should serve as a good example for everyone.