Researchers urged to study history

CEBU, Philippines - A church official in Cebu has challenged researchers to thoroughly study history to eventually put an end to the long standing controversy as to where the first Mass in the country was held.

Fr. Tito Soquiño, president of the Santo Niño de Cebu Augustinian Social Development Foundation, Inc. (SNAF), mentioned this as they were finalizing activities for the “Duaw Sto. Niño” to Limasawa Island on March 31.

“We challenge them to critically look at history because there’s a lot that being left including whether the Santo Niño went down to shore or not,” Soquiño said.

Soquiño, who presided yesterday’s meeting at the Basilica del Sto. Niño, pointed out that they are focused on reenacting the event itself and do not want to create controversies, too.

For the activity, Soquiño said around 30 Cebuanos will join the pilgrimage. The big number of devotees is expected in Maasin City, Southern Leyte, to where the pilgrim image will be brought on March 30.

The group will compose of priests, personnel of the Philippine Navy and the Philippine Coast Guard, among others.

The pilgrim image will make the historic voyage in time for Limasawa Island’s 491st anniversary of the first Mass held in the Philippines.

Soquiño said gun salutes will be offered by the Navy, which is something different from their previous “Duaw” in Bien Unido in Bohol, Olango Island in Lapu-Lapu City and Biliran.

Soquiño said the event was organized by SNAF, the social arm of the Augustinians, as a way of bringing the holy image closer to the devotees and to spread the message of ecological evangelization. — Niña G. Sumacot/LPM (THE FREEMAN)