Thy Eminence
I have met him a couple of times for interviews, mostly at the cathedral where he would still preside over masses. Despite his frail condition, he was still able to speak to the whole congregation full of conviction. He was Cebu archbishop emeritus Ricardo Cardinal Vidal.
I remember quite clearly how I would wait anxiously behind the church stage if he would grant us an interview. His staff would laugh at my restlessness because I was so eager to talk to him in person. Being a late bloomer in the media industry, getting to see and talk to him up close was a very rare privilege already. On the many occasions that he said yes to the media waiting outside, I would get on my knees to be close to him and get his blessing or kiss his hand as a sign of respect. This being done even if I am not a Roman Catholic. I have a healthy respect for Cardinal Vidal whom I envision as a very important leader in the Catholic Church.
When he passed away, I was assigned in another province but seeing all the messages on Facebook and on television about how he will be dearly missed made me shed a tear. How I wish I could join the whole of Cebu in mourning the loss of a person who has influenced the country in so many ways. He has been described here in Dumaguete city as a great father, and as an adviser to several priests and the laity here. Knowing this, I couldn't help but say how lucky I am to have known him even for such a short time. I envy others who have been in his presence for a long time and have gathered tidbits of his wisdom while he was still on earth.
I am amazed how he has touched lives not only of those who are of the same faith as his but also to those who come from other denominations. He has stood firm in his belief against killings and other issues in society. Not only is he known to be a leader, but a person who has been faithful to the calling and to the church itself.
This Thursday is a holiday for Cebu and most of the members of the pastoral councils from different provinces will be travelling to Cebu to say goodbye to this cardinal for the last time. Again, I will not be there to personally witness it but my prayers go to him and his family for the mourning of their loss. On the other side, it is a celebration of his life well-lived. Despite being a native of Luzon, he chose to stay where he was called to be in, and Cebu is very blessed for that. He will be dearly missed but his legacy of a pure life lives on.
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