Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines Archbishop Antonio Franco, in a letter addressed to Cardinal Vidal, said that the Holy Father had received Vidal’s resignation as Archbishop of Cebu but the Pope was inviting him to continue his ministry.

"Giovannie Battista Cardinal Re has informed me that the Holy Father is inviting you to continue your ministry. I am giving you this information so that you can bring it to the knowledge of the entire archdiocese and continue in your pastoral service in the local church, giving to the Holy Father the decision when to appoint a new pastor for the archdiocese of Cebu," the nuncio said in a letter that was read during a mass celebrating the 50th anniversary of Vidal’s ordination as priest yesterday afternoon.

Cardinal Re is the Prefect of the Congregation for Bishops at the Vatican.

The crowd was surprised by the announcement of Vidal’s extension as Archbishop of Cebu because most of those who attended yesterday’s mass at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral were expecting that the Cardinal would give his farewell message.

In response, Cardinal Vidal said he will continue what he has been doing as Archbishop of Cebu and urged the Cebuanos to continue praying for him.

"Unworthy as I am, it is only in God’s presence that I found the strength to serve Him in the priesthood this past 50 years and the years to come," Vidal said.

Pope Benedict XVI, in another letter also read at the mass yesterday, praised Cardinal Vidal for the many good works he has done for the church. The Pope also extended his prayers for Vidal to be strengthened by the grace of God as the Cebu Archbishop recalled the happy and abundant memories of his life as a priest.

"We wish to praise in a special way your orthodox doctrine and adherence to Christ and His Church. We cannot be silent about your good work for the universal church, hence for these and for very many other reasons to rejoice, we greet you on this happy anniversary celebration of your priesthood as well as of the many good works you’ve done for the whole church," said the Pope in the letter.

On his 75th birth anniversary last Feb. 6, 2006, Vidal submitted a letter of resignation as required by the Code of Canon Law but expressed his readiness to continue his apostolic work.

The Code of Canon Law requires that Catholic bishops must tender their resignation on their 75th birth anniversary.

Vidal earned his degree in theology at San Carlos Seminary in Makati after graduating with a degree of bachelor of arts in philosophy from St. Francis de Sales Seminary in Lipa City.

He was ordained priest on March 14, 1956, and appointed bishop 15 years later during the time of Archbishop Carmine Rocco, then Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines.

Vidal has led the Cebu archdiocese since September, 1982. (Mars W. Mosqueda Jr.)