Cardinal Vidal holds Mass for prisoners

CEBU, Philippines – Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, who is set to retire within three months, conducted a pontifical mass for the first time at the Talisay City Jail yesterday morning.

Around 300 inmates, most of whom saw the cardinal in person for the first time, were pleased and proud that it was the cardinal who officiated the mass at the jail facility yesterday.

It was also the first time for Chief Insp. Renante Rubio, jail warden of the jail located in Barangay Maghaway, to meet the cardinal in person.

The mass was in celebration of October as "Prisoner Awareness Month." October 24 is also considered the "23rd Prison Awareness Sunday."

Vidal, discussing the meaning of a prison cell, said: "Bisan kinsa nato badlungon, bisan kinsa nga masalaypon, hukman ug hipuson sa prisohan aron mapanalipdan ug maila ang balaod, ang mga katungod sa mga lungsuranon nga naningkamot nga managdait ang katawhan kay ang kalinaw sa katawhan mao'y katungod sa tanan." (Whoever violates the law is detained so he would come to know the law and the rights of others to live in peace.)

Vidal, however, also emphasized justice for the inmates.

"Mas maayo nga unahon ug palabihon ang pagsubay sa mga lagda sa hustisya diha sa pagsulbad sa mga kaso kutob sa mahimo sa madaling panahon kay dili lalim, pait kaayo nga sa kasong gamay mapriso ka og dugay o sa kasong dako makagawas dayon tungod lang kay maayo ug abogado o pagawason aron lang pusilon." (Speedy disposition of cases should be a priority to be fair to the inmates especially those who are detained for minor cases.)

The Archbishop was pleased that Talisay City Jail is spacious enough to house its 330 inmates.

Meanwhile, Vidal confirmed that he has already received from the Pope the order that allows him to retire.

Archbishop Jose Palma of Palo, Leyte, is set to arrive in Cebu by January next year to assume as the new Archbishop.

Despite his retirement, Vidal said he will remain in Cebu where a house has been donated for him. He vows to continue extending assistance to any church-related activities.  (FREEMAN)