Del Mar shares memories of the late cardinal

LIKE a fallen tree, Cebu Archbishop Emeritus Ricardo Cardinal Vidal’s death was “thunderous,” said Cebu City North District Rep. Raul del Mar yesterday.

Last night was the first necrological service for Vidal at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral.

During his 15-minute speech, del Mar spoke about Vidal’s role as a peacemaker and a moral compass for local leaders, adding that Cebu has lost one of its adopted sons.

He said Vidal never took offense to or retaliated when he was criticized.

He recalled that one critic called Vidal by his first name rather than his formal title to insult him, but he just brushed it aside.

Recognizing Vidal

“But I’m called Ricardo. I call myself Ricardo. It’s my given name. But I don’t mind if they call me San Ricardo,” del Mar quoted Vidal as saying in jest.

The official also pointed out the late prelate’s humility and the latter’s tendency to guide local and national leaders to a moral direction.

Del Mar said he believes that Vidal’s memory will live on among Cebuanos.

“The name of Cardinal Ricardo Vidal will survive and endure in our hearts and minds,” he said.

Del Mar announced that he and the nine other Cebuano representatives plan to file a resolution before Congress to recognize Vidal and his work in Cebu.