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Thursday, August 09, 2007
Pope rejects Manila cardinal's resignation
MANILA -- The Vatican did not accept the resignation of Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales who is set to turn 75 years old on Friday.
Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, prefect of the Congregation for the Bishops, said Pope Benedict XVI wanted Rosales to stay.
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Under Church rules, bishops are required to submit their resignation to the Holy Father when they reach 75 years old, the retirement age for the bishops.
Rosales submitted his resignation to the Vatican on June 10 thanking the Pope for giving him the chance to serve the church. He explained that his resignation would "allow the proper selection of the archbishop who will succeed" him.
But he noted that his release from "tremendous responsibilities (of being archbishop) will most likely be spent on much prayer, reflections, and probably writing."
An advance mass for Rosales's birthday was officiated on Wednesday with Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal delivering the homily and paying tribute to "Cardinal Dency" as "someone who has offered a new vision not only for Manila but also for the Philippines."
Vidal also enjoined his confrere not to retire "so he (Vidal) won't be alone."
Vidal turned 75 years old more than a year ago, but was asked by the Holy Father to continue with his ministry.
Also present during the mass were Bishops Antonio Tobias of Novaliches, Bishop Honesto Ongtioco of Cubao, Bishop Luis Antonio Tagle of Imus, Bishop Rey Evangelista of Boac, Bishop Pedro Arigo of Puerto Princesa, Manila Auxiliary Bishop Bernardino Cortez, Antipolo Auxiliary Bishop-elect Francis de Leon, and priests from the archdioceses of Manila and Lipa.
Rosales was ordained priest on March 23, 1958 and was appointed Manila archbishop in September 2003 replacing the late Cardinal Jaime Sin, who died of multiple organ failure two years ago. (MSN/Sunnex)
For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Iloilo. (August 9, 2007 issue)
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