Cebu archdiocese asks prayers for Cardinal Vidal

CEBU CITY, Philippines – Cebu’s archbishop emeritus, Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, managed to smile but still could not speak properly on Thursday, September 19, two days after he suffered a stroke.

This was according to his successor, Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma, who said the cardinal’s condition should not be a “cause for panic and worry that it is terribly serious.”

“We’re happy with his smile. He reportedly experienced hypoxia or the lack of oxygen supply to his brain,” Palma, said in Cebuano.

“As always, we can’t deny that when we age our health changes. Let’s continue to pray for him,” Palma told reporters. 

Vidal, now 82, retired in 2011. 

Palma said they are closely monitoring Vida’s condition while “waiting for more diagnosis.”

The cardinal is very careful with his food intake, eating moderately, he said. “The cardinal eats everything. He has a nurse who looks after his diet.”

Doctors discourage many visitors in order for the cardinal to rest properly.

Palma prays for Cardinal Vidal to regain his health, to be able to join the 2016 International Eucharistic Congress here in Cebu.

In early September, a team from the Vatican IEC pontifical committee headed by Archbishop Pierro Marini inspected sights for the international religious event.

Pierro hopes that Pope Francis can attend the international gathering to officiate the final mass. The Pope has yet to confirm with the Archdiocese of Cebu’s. – Rappler.com