CEBU, Philippines – In rites celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Archdiocese of Cebu, Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal talked instead of shortcomings, publicly asking for forgiveness on behalf of his priests and auxiliary bishops and for himself for the wrongs they have done, and the rights they failed to do.
Vidal however did not elaborate on the priestly wrongs he mentioned.
Describing the archdiocese as “far from being the new Jerusalem and a holy city,” Vidal blamed the shortcomings on a wide variety of “killings” that stunted the growth of a true community of God.
Deliberately seizing the opportunity brought by the presence of public officials, including President Arroyo and members of Congress espousing reproductive health measures that run counter to church teachings.
“There is killing instantly of true love with sex made safe from unwanted pregnancies and they call it reproductive health,” said Vidal in his homily, triggering unexpected applause in the middle of the solemnity.
The cardinal cited other “killings” such as the killing of the common good which people call development; the killing of the homeless which people call tourism; killing the poor through gambling and calling it lottery; killing true beauty through pornography and calling it freedom of expression; and killing of a hard day’s work through smuggling and graft corruption and called it sariling sikap for economic recovery.
As if to reinforce Vidal’s view that the archdiocese has a long way to go despite its 75 years, the Pope, in a message carried by Apostolic Nuncio Edward Joseph Adams, commended the entire archdiocese to the “loving intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.”
“Pope Benedict XVI cordially imparts his apostolic blessing,” the message, signed by Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Secretary of State of the Vatican, said.
Prior to the afternoon High Mass, President Arroyo unveiled a marker installed in front of the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral commemorating the restoration and renovation of the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral.
Arroyo then joined Vidal, Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales, Papal Nuncio Adams and Msgr. Roberto Alesna in entering the Cathedral through its “Holy Door” to start the celebration of the High Mass.
The Holy Door, which is dubbed as “the door to heaven” was formally opened starting yesterday and will stay open for one year, after which it will be closed for 25 years.
Cebu was established as an archdiocese on April 28, 1934 during the time of Pope Pius XI.
To commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of the Achidiocese of Cebu, Cardinal Vidal asked the Holy See to proclaim a jubilee year for the territory granting plenary indulgence to the faithful who can fulfill certain spiritual acts from April 28, 2009 to April 28, 2010.
The request was granted last November last year.
Aside from Cardinals Vidal and Rosales, more than 40 archbishops and bishops from all over the country joined more than Six hundred priests.
Among the prominent government leaders who joined the celebration were Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, acting Cebu City mayor Michael Rama, Press Secretary Cerge Remonde, Reps. Nerissa Ruiz and Benhur Salimbangon and several mayors, including Compostela mayor Ritchie Wagas. - with Jasmin Uy/JST (THE FREEMAN)