Church: Participation is essence of Fiesta Señor

CEBU, Philippines - The Church is reminding the youth that participating in the activities of the Sinulog is the true essence of the celebration of the Feast of Sto. Niño --and not the parties.

“Please participate in activities during the Sinulog celebration, not for the parties but for Sto. Niño,” said the media liaison of the Basilica del Sto. Niño Fr. Tito Soquiño.

Soquiño said Sinulog, being one of the most jam-packed celebrations in the country with local as well as foreign tourists coming to Cebu purposely for the celebration, is flocked by more than a million devotees every year.

A big bulk of the participants during this celebration consists of the younger generation and Soquiño said that they are happy that a lot of young people are devotees of the Sto. Niño.

But he said that they are hoping that with a lot of activities all over the city during the week-long celebration, they are hoping that the people will not forget that the celebration is intended for the Señor Sto. Niño.

He shared that Sto. Niño, being a young boy, should serve as a reminder already for the younger people on what the reason of the festivities is all about and that the young child should be an inspiration most especially for the young people.

Soquiño also shared that through the celebration, they hope that more people, not only the youth, will be interested protecting the environment since this year’s celebration, the Church is integrating the love for environment as part of the theme.

He said that they added activities this year to encourage the people to take care of the environment especially with the growing concern of climate change.

Soquiño said that they are happy with the support they have received in the Mass for the environment held recently, which is one of the highlights of the celebration.

He said that there are still a series of activities during this week focusing on environmental care like forums and many more.

Further, Soquiño said that with the big celebration, they are always making sure of the developments to be made every year like an orderly system and the adjustment of the procession route with the increasing number of devotees coming every year. – AJ de la Torre/BRP   (FREEMAN NEWS)