The University of San Carlos announces with deep sadness the sudden passing of its honorary alumnus, His Eminence Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, Archbishop Emeritus of the Archdiocese of Cebu.

Born on February 6, 1931 in Mogpog, Marinduque, the Cardinal spent more than half of his life in Cebu, after having been appointed Coadjutor Archbishop of Cebu with right of succession on August 31, 1981. Cardinal Vidal became Archbishop of Cebu on September 18, 1982, following the retirement of his predecessor, Julio Cardinal Rosales, and was elevated to the College of Cardinals barely two-and-a-half years later, on May 25, 1985. He shepherded the Archdiocese of Cebu from 1982 until his retirement at the age of 80 six years ago.

On August 24, 1995, in recognition of his ministry and work in leading the archdiocese and as a living witness to the motto of the University of San Carlos, the Cardinal was conferred the degree Doctor of Humanities honoris causa, in ceremonies that also marked the 400th anniversary of the founding of Colegio de San Ildefonso, from which the Seminario-Colegio de San Carlos, precursor to USC, was eventually born.

The University requests the entire Carolinian community to say a prayer for the repose of the late Cardinal’s soul.

“Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord. And let your perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul rest in peace. Amen.”

by J. Eleazar R. Bersales, Ph.D. (USC Press)

Tags: Alumni