'Hubo' set tomorrow at the Pilgrim Center

The traditional "Hubo" Mass, the last liturgical rite performed to honor the Santo Niño, will be held at the Basilica del Sto. Niño Pilgrim Center tomorrow, Friday dawn.

The mass will start at around 4:00 a.m. to be officiated by the vice rector of the Basilica, Fr. Andres Rivera.

The ritual will include the changing of the vestments of the image of the Santo Niño and the washing of the image with water.

Back then, the "Hubo" ritual is done within the cloister of the Augustinian priests with only a few lay people, the so-called "beatas" or women who do pastoral work inside the church were allowed to witness the ceremony.

It is during the said ritual, which lasts for almost an hour, that the old vestments of the image are removed, the image is then immersed in water, wiped dry and then dressed in new clothes.

Devotees line up with containers filled with water to have these blessed by the water used to rinse the statue. This water is believed to be medicinal.

This ritual is a reminder for the devotees to undergo spiritual change. - Jasmin R. Uy