CEBU, Philippines - Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal wished for his successor, Archbishop Jose Palma from the Archdiocese of Palo, the same love and acceptance that he received from the Cebuanos.
“I would like to tell the people that they should also accept my successor same as they did to me so that the Archdiocese can be served better and the progress is ensured,” Vidal said.
“I really hope that the Lord will bless their part of this Church because we have a good successor… I wish to thank my fellow Cebuano countrymen because you accepted me, a Tagalog, into your Cebuano society and you have allowed me to serve you for 29 years,” he added.
Palma will be the 4th Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Cebu and the second from the Panay Island after Archbishop Gabriel Reyes.
However, Reyes died before Cebu became an archdiocese. Officially, Palma will be the very first to be from Panay to be the head cleric in the Archdiocese.
Vidal also wished for good weather during the Sinulog festivities.
“We have to pray for good weather so that the people can attend the pit señor, this is a very significant day for the Cebuanos and all the Filipinos,” said Vidal.
Vidal also urged Cebuanos to be good Christians through the preserving truthful devotion to the Holy Child.
Arrival
Palma is set to arrive at the Mactan Cebu International Airport at 3 p.m. He will be welcomed by Vidal together with local executives and members of the military.
There will be a motorcade from the airport to the Archbishop’s Palace for a short liturgy at the St. Joseph Chapel to be officiated by Vidal. The short liturgy will be followed by dinner together with guests at the Sacred Heat Center.
New Symbol
The coat of arms of Most Rev. Jose Palma, D.D.. has been revealed to the public for the first time yesterday through Msgr. Chris Garcia.
According to Garcia, the coat of Palma is a mix of the Archdiocese and his personal coat of arms.
Palma’s coat of arms includes crown on the upper right corner which is according to Garcia depicts Palma’s strong devotion to Sto. Niño.
Garcia also said that Palma was ordained bishop during the feast of Sto. Niño in Jaro, Iloilo.
Distinctive feature of Palma’s coat of includes a staff and which according to Garcia symbolizes Palma’s duty as shepherd and servant to his Cebuano flock.
Palma’s coat of arms also has a L square ruler which symbolizes St. Joseph the worker. On the lower right is a palm which symbolizes Palma’s duty to protect his flock and the doctrine of the entire Church.
Garcia also pointed the most of the colors which is depicted in Palma’s coat of arms are the basic colors of the Sinulog like the predominant green and red which symbolizes strong devotion to the Sto. Niño. – (FREEMAN)