Hubo Mass marks end of Fiesta Señor

CEBU - Thousands of devotees yesterday marked the end of the Fiesta Señor with the traditional “Hubo Mass” and the symbolic undressing and changing of the image of the Sto Niño.

As early as 4 a.m., devotees filled the Basilica del Sato Niño Pilgrim Center to attend the Mass and witness the ritual that symbolizes the Catholic’s unwavering faith on the Holy Child who is believed to have always been the protector of Cebu.

The traditional Hubo Mass was officiated by Rev. Fr. Ian Narcissus Opeña, parish priest of Talisay City.

In his homily, Opeña encouraged the devotees of the Sto. Niño to also strip off their old sinful self as a way of obedience and paying Christ back for all the goodness that He has done.

Opeña told the people to go away from their old doings for it is about time for spiritual transformation and change which shall begin within one’s self and according to the will of God.

He also brought the good news to those who come to witness the event by saying that everyone in the place has been blessed for being there, which demonstrated their strong belief.

Opeña said that whenever Sto. Niño celebrates a holy day, many people would come “just like yesterday when thousands of devotees showed up which proved that God is working in the lives of many Cebuanos.”

After the homily, the Hubo ritual began by removing the royal garment of the Sto. Niño starting with the crown, followed by the orb and scepter, armlet, the bands, cape, tunic and the inner garments.

After all the image’s garments were taken off, it was “washed” in perfumed water, which according to the Catholic faith, signifies purification and cleansing of the soul that every devotee needs to do to renew their tie with God.

The water that used to bathe the child Jesus was then showered to the devotees heaving up their own kept image of the Sto. Niño and bottles of water. Many believe that the water that was used in washing the holy image is miraculous and can cure all kinds of illnesses.

After the washing, the Sto. Niño was then dressed again on its normal less ornate clothes.

The Hubo Mass, which used to be held in private by the Augustinian friars, was first performed in the public in 1990 after priests gave in to the pleading of the people to allow them to witness the ritual. — Jessica Ann R. Pareja/WAB   (THE FREEMAN)