Saturday, August 09, 2008 Cardinal lauds Cebu’s progress, warns vs. pride
CEBU Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal yesterday commended Cebuanos for achieving progress amid an economic crisis, but also challenged local leaders to address rising crime and political bickering.
While he called attention to the problems Cebu is facing, the cardinal also said he still believes there is “spiritual progress” in the province. He cited the establisment of several parishes.
The prelate, however, said that true progress ultimately depends not on how much a person believes but on how he behaves.
Citing a verse from the Gospel, Vidal said that “pride and greed” prevent the faithful from following in Christ’s footsteps.
“Only the humble and the poor in spirit are willing to take up their cross and follow Christ,” Vidal said during the mass before the opening of the trade exposition “One Cebu” at the Cebu International Convention Center in Mandaue City yesterday.
He also expressed concern over the spate of street crimes, political squabbling and other unlawful activities happening in Cebu.
In the face of “political bickering, issues of charges and countercharges, claims and reclaims, the violence, vigilante-style or fraternity crimes and car smuggling, I am tempted to ask, ‘Where have we failed?’” Cardinal Vidal said in his homily.
After the mass, Vidal and Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia cut the ribbon, which signalled the formal opening of the trade exhibit.
When asked whether a reconciliation with Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña remains possible, Governor Garcia said, “Are you asking me? Is this a perfect world? Getting our acts together, 99 percent is good enough while the one percent will find himself isolated and insecure.” (GMD)
