The 81-year-old prelate reiterated his appeal to the people to give alms to their parishes, which the archdiocese will use for the administration of the sacraments such as baptism and marriages, as well as mass intentions.



”The sacraments are not being sold, you as a parishioner are asked for a donation because we need many things that we spend on, including administrative duties,” Cardinal Vidal said.



”We are not obliging any one to give alms, this is a form of 'limos' (donation). You have the obligation to support your church,” he said.



The same principle is being followed by other religious denominations, he said, adding that the amount of alms “depends on how much you can give.”



Vidal, who was archbishop of Cebu for almost three decades, also told the priests to be patient in explaining to their parishioners the practice of giving alms so they would not be misunderstood.



”Let us be patient, we have to explain why they should support the church,” he said.



Vidal assured that the funds are being accounted for, although the books are open only to the Catholic hierarchy as this is not a commercial venture.



Earlier, Cardinal Vidal and incumbent Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma encouraged people to contribute to their parishes.



The call was made in light of the recent controversy over the alleged misuse of PCSO funds, which is being investigated by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee.



Seven bishops were accused of having received sports utility vehicles from the PCSO during the administration of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.



Palma and the accused bishops had denied receiving expensive vehicles, and have since returned to PCSO the vehicles given to them, which included a 4x4 pick-up, a van and sports utility vehicles. (PNA) 



LAP/FFC/EB/re

Cardinal Vidal tells priests to stop asking for donations from PCSO