Friday, May 09, 2008 Vidal calls for unity in Mandaue
CEBU Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal yesterday called for unity among the Mandaue-hanons, telling their officials and parishioners that they can live harmoniously and peacefully only when they are united.
In his homily during the feast of St. Joseph in Mandaue City, whose officials are at odds with each other, Vidal reminded the people of the need to be united during these changing times.
He also reminded the people of their responsibility to practice their faith, devotion and service to the people as honestly as they can, and not live like hypocrites.
Mandaue City’s warring officials admitted that Vidal’s call for unity is both timely and relevant at a time when the entire country faces a crisis.
“Magkahiusa unta kita diha ni Kristo ug sa simbahan (I hope that we will unite in Christ and with the church),” Vidal said yesterday.
“Responsibilidad nato ang debosyong matinud-anon ug dili magpaka-aron-ingnon...Maka-baton unta kamo og kakusog, kaisog, ug dili pagkaulaw sa pagsaksi sa atong pagkadeboto. (It is our responsibility to be honest in our devotion and not be hypocrites... May you have strength, courage and confidence to be witnesses of your devotion),” he continued.
Priests, religious and hundreds of devotees of St. Joseph and those from other parishes in Mandaue City attended the pontifical mass yesterday morning.
Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes, Vice Mayor Carlo Pontico Fortuna, city councilors and other City Hall officials also attended the mass.
Cortes and his department heads were seated on one side of the church while Fortuna and majority of the city councilors were on the opposite side.
Both camps have been at odds with each other, often bickering over their conflicting views on policies and projects.
Fortuna agreed with the cardinal’s statement, saying the people should keep their faith and stay united to overcome the crisis they face.
“Dapat kita maghiusa (we should unite) especially in these times of crises,” said Fortuna.
In a separate interview, Cortes said Vidal’s call for unity is timely and relevant.
“There is a need to pull our efforts together,” the mayor said, referring to the opposing forces at City Hall, as he admitted that their political bickering have already affected the delivery of services to their constituents.
Although Vidal did not name any official in his homily, Cortes said it is high time that local officials unite so they can address the present crisis more efficiently.
For Cortes, every fiesta celebration should be highlighted by spiritual renewal and thanksgiving. But instead of putting their differences aside, his detractors kept on criticizing him even during the fiesta celebration, he said.
Just recently, Fortuna and the councilors criticized the mayor for authorizing the holding of a drag race at the reclamation area, saying it did not have the council’s permission. The activity also caused heavy traffic in the area.
Fortuna’s camp also criticized Cortes for allowing the Miss Mandaue pre-screening activity to be held inside the session hall, saying that it was inappropriate.
But Cortes said the pre-screening activity was allowed to be held in the session hall because the organizers had formally asked permission to do so.(OCP/UP Masscomm Intern Camille G. Taravilla)
