‘I felt Blessed John Paul’s presence’

CEBU Archbishop Emeritus Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, who is back in Cebu after attending the beatification of the late Pope John Paul II said he felt “as if Pope John Paul was also present with us” when the pope was declared “Blessed.”

Vidal attended the beatification ceremonies led by Pope Benedict XVI last May 1, which was also Divine Mercy Sunday, a feast that Blessed John Paul instituted.

He was the official representative of the Archdiocese of Cebu.

“The celebration was very solemn and significant because after the pronouncement of the Holy Father that Pope John Paul II is already blessed, they pulled down the curtain covering his image, and all the people around were very silent,” Vidal said.

Despite the prediction for a rainy day, Vidal said the weather was sunny and warm and a lot of people attended the beatification.

“When we arrived there was no sun, then the weather bureau the following day predicted 70 percent rain. But on the contrary, the sun came out from morning until afternoon, and it was all dry,” Vidal said.

“It was of course a favor from the Lord, that the day would not be dampened by water but would also be enjoyed by those who came from far places just to witness the beautification,” Vidal added.

He said that everyone fell silent in the ceremony and also felt the presence of Pope John Paul.

“Its as if the Pope John Paul was already there. Everybody seemed to agree that he was also present,” Vidal said.

Pope John Paul II appointed Vidal Archbishop of Cebu and made him cardinal.

Vidal said he was grateful for the chance to work with the Pope.

“I was very happy because I’ve been working with him for some time.

VIdal left for Rome last April 26 and returned early last week. He was accompanied by Msgr. Dennis Villorojo from Our Lady of the Sacred Heart in barangay Capitol Site, Cebu City.

Vidal said he did not formally meet with the Pope while he was in Rome but that Benedict during the beatification ceremony acknowledged his presence.

“ He paused and looked at me and he smiled and waved,” Vidal said.