Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal has encouraged believers to make spiritual growth part of the search for progress.
“If the Lord is calling us to witness a new year, He has something in store for us, that is always for the good of all of us, unless we try to put a barrier along the way,†he said in his New Year’s message which centered on hope and continuity.
The cardinal hosted a press conference in the Archbishop’s Residence along D. Jakosalem St. in Cebu City for his last New Year’s Day message as archbishop of Cebu.
Cardinal Vidal, 79, is retiring in two weeks.
“Providence always has something good for us. The Lord wants us to be good Christian citizens,†he said.
Cardinal Vidal emphasized that everyone is working for progress but this should go beyond “worldly wealth.â€
The Catholic Church also celebrates the World Day of Peace Saturday.
He cited a message from Pope Benedict XVI that religious freedom is rooted in the dignity of the person and must not be ignored or overlooked.
“Without the acknowledgement of one’s spiritual being, one fails to find answers to the deepest questions about life’s meaning and even fails to have authentic freedom,†he said.
Incidents of theft and murder suggest that “we are not tending well to our people,†he said.
The prelate, recently commended by Congress for his work as a peacemaker, called on the priests to continue their work.
“To my successor, may he continue what we have begun. But the method might be changed because each leader will have their own way of looking at things,†he added.
Cardinal Vidal will be succeeded by Archbishop Jose Palma, who is currently bishop of the Palo diocese in Leyte province.
“Usually, we understand each other and we are confident that he is mature enough that he knows what to do. As usual, we consult our former bishop and ask how things should be done,†he added. (PNA)
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