CEBU CITY, Philippines – Homilies delivered by Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal for priests were compiled into a book, “Revelations of a Father's Heart,” which was launched on Monday at the Grand Convention Center in Cebu City.Among his many roles, “the formation of seminarians is closest to my heart,” wrote Vidal, who said his task as bishop of guiding priests was just as vital. The book contains 57 homilies, 38 of which were delivered to priests of the Cebu Archdiocese and the rest to various clergy groups. Excerpts were read on Monday by Agnes Apalisok, Fr. Roderick Salazar, businessman Bernard Sia, and Judge Simeon Dumdum Jr.
The cardinal said the compilation of homilies serves as a “testament to my brother priests with whom I was privileged to serve as bishop and confrere.” Vidal marked his 37th year as a bishop last Sunday. “With the challenges today, we need greater support from the superior and cooperation on the part of priests,” he said. Monsignor Jose Bernardo, Episcopal Commission on Clergy executive director, said Cardinal Vidal initiated “needed changes in the Church” especially on spiritual renewal of the clergy. “His Eminence (Vidal) is not a profound theologian or expert but he is exposed to the realities of priesthood.” Judge Dumdum described the book as “a cycle of prose on the theme of solicitude.” “A pastoral romance of a sort. It shows a passionate shepherd to his flock,” he added. /Editorial Assistant Bernadette A. Parco | 
