Vidal retains post at CBCP

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu Archbishop Emeritus Ricardo Cardinal Vidal retains his chairmanship of one of the most important commissions at the Catholic Bishops Conference of The Philippines (CBCP).

Based on the CBCP rules, when a bishop is retired he will be automatically relieved of his chairmanship of any commission in the group.

But in the case of Vidal, who celebrated his 80th birthday yesterday, CBCP President Bishop Nereo Odchimar told those who attended the birthday dawn Mass for Vidal that the latter will remain as chairman of the Episcopal Commission on Bishops of the CBCP.

According to Odchimar, the commission should be handled by a very competent person like Vidal.

“We look up to you for guidance,” he added.

Odchimar said Vidal was unanimously recommended for the position for exceptional wisdom and vast experience as church leader.

With his long years as a pastor and defender of the church, Vidal have known and experienced a lot.

Odchimar said they unanimously agreed for the Vidal’s chairmanship to continue for they believe that CBCP still need the guidance of Vidal.

CBCP describes Vidal to have reached a “milestone” in his long years of service working selflessly for the Church.

Odchimar described Vidal to be a “the salt and light of the earth and the CBCP,” adding Vidal’s long struggle against RH Bill can be strong instrument of strength for the continuing fight against RH Bill.

“We need the wisdom and wealth of your experience, because the CBCP does not want you (Vidal) to retire from the CBCP,” he said. — (FREEMAN)