Cardinal calls for love, self-control

Cebu Archbishop Emeritus Ricardo Cardinal Vidal reminded Catholics to use “self control” instead of artificial contraceptives in planning their families.

The cardinal said the faithful’s ability to control themselves by natural means is a proof of God’s existence in the spirit of human beings.

“If a man and wife can control themselves in planning their family, you would not need contraceptives,” Vidal said during the Pontifical Mass in the National Shrine of St. Joseph last night.

Mandaue City celebrates its fiesta in honor of the saint today.

The 80-year-old prelate told the flock that they would be successful in planning their family if they have self-control, which would be manifested through God’s grace.

“The church is against the use of artificial contraceptives because this would not help in self-discipline, and if they won’t have discipline they would not be able to choose the good and condemn the evil,” Vidal said.

Vidal said the couples would be dependent on the use of contraceptives and they would lose respect for each other and would instead be consumed by their physical needs.

Contraceptives would also pave the way toward promiscuity and adultery.

Vidal said St. Joseph should be invited to every home to protect members of the family.

The sanctuary of St Joseph would also include Mary and Jesus, Vidal said.

He also reminded the flock to cleanse their hearts and maintain love and harmony in the home.

“St Joseph would not live in a home where a man beats his wife, and if the children would not respect their parents and strive for their future,” he said.