“The terms of offices (of some priests) are over. They are staying (in their current parishes) for over eight years, I think. Whoever has served for more than six years will be moved,” the prelate explained.
Priests who became bishops will be transferred, with new priests taking their positions.
Vidal does not know yet when the planned revamp will be implemented.
As for local politics, Vidal happily observed some changes among local officials.
Silent
“At least, they (Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia and Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña) are silent now, I suppose. I think they have already exhausted what they are supposed to do. Maybe after some time, I may be able to talk with them,” he said.
The prelate advised them to be like Jesus Christ who came to the world not to be served but to serve.
On the other hand, he only laughed when asked about President Arroyo’s move to provide subsidy to some election watchdogs.
“If it is for that purpose only and not for any election hearing, that cannot be. But if it is for the work (of the watchdogs), pagtabang sa mga tawo, daghan man atong gastuhan ana. So the subsidy must not be for any election hearing or politicking purposes,” said Vidal.
Willing
He also hopes that the projects mentioned in the President’s State of the Nation Address will be all realized.
“But (the government) should be very, very willing to do them. If others are receptive, they should also be receptive. There can be no reconsideration if both parties (involved) are receptive,” said Vidal.
Meanwhile, Vidal defended the act of Pope Benedict XIV in recently approving Roman Catholic priests to celebrate mass in Latin after a “stable group” of Catholics would request it.
The Latin, or Tridentine Mass, includes a prayer that is read on Good Friday, appealing for the conversion of Jews. (NRC)
