CEBU Archbishop Emeritus Ricardo Cardinal Vidal has been confined in a private hospital in Cebu City since Wednesday, October 11, after suffering from a variety of ailments.
But Dr. Rene Bullecer, one of Vidal's closest friends, denied that the 86-year-old prelate had suffered from cardiac arrest.
Bullecer told SunStar Cebu that Vidal was admitted at the Perpetual Succour Hospital around dawn last Wednesday after experiencing nausea and shortness of breath.
While he was fine when he was brought to the hospital, Vidal's condition worsened during the afternoon when he had gone unconscious.
Bullecer said Vidal reportedly underwent a state of semi-comatose.
Because of Vidal's condition, Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma and Cebu Auxiliary bishop Dennis Villarojo came to the hospital and administered the Sacrament of Extreme Unction on the aging prelate.
But Msgr. Joseph Tan, Cebu Archdiocesan spokesperson, clarified that administering the Sacrament of Extreme Unction does not mean that Vidal is near death.
Tan said the sacrament can also be applied for healing the sick or to anyone undergoing major health issues anytime.
Vidal woke up, and his vital signs have stabilized, said Fr. Jojo de Aquino, Vidal’s secretary, but he still can’t talk.
Local church officials urged everyone to pray for Vidal’s speedy recovery.
Vidal has been plagued with health problems since retiring in 2011. Four years ago, Vidal was rushed to the same hospital after suffering a mild stroke. (JKV/SunStar Cebu)