Cardinal welcomes USJ-R students with Holy Mass

CEBU, Philippines - The archbishop emeritus of Cebu, Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, celebrated a Mass yesterday to welcome the opening of the school year at the University of San Jose-Recoletos. The school also awarded after the Mass its alumnus who ranked ninth in the most recent Certified Public Accountant licensure examinations. Edmond Emperio, who graduated cum laude in 2011, received P50,000 cash reward and a brand new laptop from the school administration.

USJ-R is among the top performing schools nationwide in the CPA board examinations.

The Cardinal welcomed the students to what he described as a “true Catholic institution” and not just a school of technology or arts. He said it is through institutions like USJ-R that one could be freed from the hindrance of proclaiming the good news.

The Cardinal explained that one of the hindrances of the task in proclaiming the good news is ignorance, specially the ignorance of the faith. “We hide ourselves simply because we do not know and understand. You cannot share our faith to others because we feel we are lacking in skill. When people are ignorant, they are apt for misinterinformation, and manipulation. When people are ignorant, they can be manipulated by whoever has the power to control the means of information,” he added.

He said that what is happening in the present, not only in terms of religious faith, but also in politics, it seems that people are led by those who have the means in controlling.

Cardinal Vidal said that the students come in school to be educated in various courses to develop their skill and enhance their talent. He hopes and prays that after the students graduate they will not only grow in knowledge but also mature in faith.

“The knowledge that we impart is very important to liberate our people from ignorance,” he said.

“We need to be much truly alert these days, or we shall be robbed of our rights and freedom even as we think we are living in a democratic country. In order for us to be watchful and alert, we must purify our minds from all forms of excess..be it of in leisure or anxiety,” he said.  (FREEMAN)