Senate honors Cardinal Vidal for service to Cebuanos

The Senate has approved a resolution honoring Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal for his service to the Filipino people, especially to the people of Cebu. "It is resolved by the Senate, to honor Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, Archbishop of Cebu, for his service to the people of Cebu, providing spiritual leadership and inspiration, helping the community avert or survive several crises and conflicts, often acting as a peacekeeper and giving the voice of moderation amid clashing views and interests in local and national issues," Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile said in Senate Resolution No. 306, which was adopted on Tuesday. He said Vidal's intervention in military coups, labor disputes, evictions of squatters and vendors, clashes of political camps, and threats of injustices prevented bloodshed and gave him the title of "The Peacekeeper." He said the Archbishop likewise preserved culture and religious traditions and "creatively tapped" resources to help the poor and the oppressed in his community. Enrile said Vidal's achievements will encourage other spiritual leaders to "shepherd" their respective congregations in helping achieve the development goals of their local communities and the country. "Cardinal Vidal has ably represented the role of spiritual leaders in nation-building without compromising the principle of separation of Church and State, and without stoking the fire of intolerance and prejudice," he said. Last October, Pope Benedict XVI accepted Vidal's resignation as Archbishop of Cebu and named Archbishop Jose Palma as his successor. Vidal served the Archdiocese of Cebu for almost 30 years and served as a Cardinal for 25 years. - VVP, GMANews.TV