Papal Nuncio blesses oldest priest in Cebu

CEBU - Monsignor Gerardo Jumao-as, the oldest living priest of the Archdiocese of Cebu, yesterday experienced the rare chance of being prayed over by no less than Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams, Vatican’s Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines.

Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal introduced Jumao-as to Adams at the Grand Convention Center yesterday where the Episcopal Commission on Clergy surprised Vidal with the launching of a book compiling all his homilies.

The book entitled “Revelations of a Father’s Heart” was a gift for Vidal’s 37th Episcopal Anniversary.

Jumao-as said he could not describe how he felt when Adams, after praying over him, knelt before him and asked that he be prayed over in return.

“It’s mutuality. When someone asks you to bless him, you should also ask him to bless you so that whatever the Lord gives to the person you blessed, you will also receive,” Jumao-as explained.

“I prayed that may the Holy Spirit come down to him right now that he may do well his duty as the Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines as he lives for the great honor of God and for the benefit of the Philippines,” Jumao-as said.

Jumao-as said he and the Cardinal also blessed each other during his 90th birthday last year. He turned 91 years old just last month.

Msgr. Achielles Dacay, media liaison officer of the Archdiocese of Cebu said Vidal introduced Jumao-as to Adams “with pride.”

Jumao-as has served as priest in Lutopan, Toledo City for 24 years. After his retirement, he was absorbed by La Salle University in Toledo, which he is serving for 20 years now.