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CEBU CITY, Philippines - Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal turns 78 today.
As the shepherd of the Cebu Archdiocese, which he has served for 27 years, Vidal received his first birthday greetings from nuns, priests and bishops last night during evening prayers held at the Sacred Heart Church.
“You are the living testimonies that the Gospel values are lasting values,” Vidal said in his homily.
Also present were Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) president and Iloilo Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, retired bishop Antonio Rañola, Cebu Auxiliary Bishops Julito Cortes and Boy Bataclan, and Dumaguete Bishop John Du.
Vidal talked about the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience taken by priests and nuns.
“We are familiar with the evangelical vows. Look up to them not just as vows pronounced in a liturgical ceremony but as a way of life,” he said.
“Excellence is achievable, that gentle love is possible, that freedom is attainable,” said Vidal.
Earlier in the day, Vidal spent time distributing food to poor families.
Vidal was ordained a priest in Lucena, Quezon province on May 17, 1956.
He was appointed Archbishop of Cebu in Aug. 24, 1982 and was elevated to cardinal in May 25, 1985.
This year marks the third time Vidal submitted the mandatory resignation of bishops who reach the age limit of 75.
It’s not clear whether Pope Benedict XVI will accept his resignation since no names have been floated as potential successors.
The past year has been a difficult one for Vidal, who suffers from a number of physical ailments, such as osteoarthritis and diabetes.
He started wearing a a neck brace last December to ease pain in his back and neck and spent two weeks in Manila last month undergoing medical check ups.
Concern for his health was reinforced when he showed up in dawn Masses for December’s Misa de Gallo looking pale and weak, with the neck brace.
Vidal, who now takes daily insulin, has been advised by doctors to avoid long travel and to undergo physical therapy at least twice a week. He can still perform most of his duties as archbishop, but with some restrictions.
Vidal underwent heart bypass surgery four years ago, as well as angioplasty.
During the Jan. 18 Fiesta Señor Pontifical Mass, he said he was “just aging” and assured that “My doctors say my health is not worsening at all.”
Vidal said he would continue to serve Cebuanos as long as he is able, and until the Pope tells him to retire.
