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Cardinal's historical marker unveiled


GUAGUA, Philippines - After the celebration of the 100th birth anniversary of the late Rufino Cardinal Santos last month, the National Historical Institute (NHI) officially unveiled here over the weekend the historical marker to honor the achievements and contributions to society of the Kapampangan cardinal. Cardinal Santos is the first Filipino Cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church. NHI officials led by chairman Ambeth Ocampo joined hands with Pampanga Archbishop Paciano Aniceto, Mayor Ricardo Rivera and the people of Guagua in unveiling of the marker, which was placed on the façade of the Rufino Cardinal Santos Catholic Center at the Immaculate Conception Parish here. Rivera hailed the move of the NHI as lasting testament to the greatness of one of Guagua's most accomplished sons. "This is something that every Kapampangan could be truly proud of," Rivera said after the marker was turned over by the NHI to the Municipal Government here. Ocampo, who traces his roots in Pampanga, said Cardinal Santos holds equal fame and prominence among past leaders and historical figures of the country. "Cardinal Santos is the concrete example of our deep adherence to faith and that truly Pampanga is one of most religious provinces in the country," Ocampo said. Last August, the Center for Kapampangan Studies of Holy Angel University (HAU) organized the grand celebration of the centennial birth of Cardinal Santos. The event was attended by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales, and other government officials and church leaders. For his part, Aniceto said: "Cardinal Santos has set the benchmark for other religious leaders of this country. His achievements could not be easily rivaled by most religious leaders today." Cardinal Santos was born in Sto. Nino, Guagua. He was made Archbishop of Manila in 1953 and was made a cardinal by Pope John XXIII in 1960. He is credited for having defended the church against modernism and radicalism in the 1950s and 1960s, and for establishing the Catholic Charities (Caritas Manila today), the Radio Veritas, the Guadalupe Minor Seminary, the hospital that was later named after him, and many other organizations aimed at helping the poor and promoting Catholic spirituality. During World War II, he was arrested and sentenced to die by firing squad, but was rescued by Liberation forces on the very eve of his execution. He succeeded Archbishop Michael O'Doherty and Archbishop Gabriel Reyes. He became archbishop of Manila on March 25, 1953, at the age of 45. Pope John XXIII made him cardinal on March 31, 1960. He served as the Archbishop of Manila from 1953 to 1973. He held the distinction of being the first Filipino cardinal. Cardinal Santos paved the way for the founding of Catholic Charities (eventually known as Caritas Manila) and the reconstruction of St. Paul Hospital (now the Cardinal Santos Medical Center), which was established by Maryknoll Sisters and damaged by heavy American artillery during World War II. Cardinal Santos died on September 3, 1973 at age 65. - Sun.Star Pampanga
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