“Kaplag” culmination Church calls for unity

CEBU, Philippines - The Catholic Church yesterday called for unity and reconciliation as it cul minated the 448th ‘Kaplag’ celebration at the Basilica del Santo Niño.

“As Christians we need to be reconciled with our differences and with others. We should have reconciliation and friendship among estranged brothers. It is my wish, my hope, my prayer that Kaplag will have a special place in your hearts and allow it to grow every day,” said Fr. Jonas Mejares, OSA during his homily at the jam-packed Pilgrim Center at the Basilica yesterday afternoon.

Kaplag is the celebration of the finding of the Santo Niño.

As if reflecting on recent  familiar events in the entertainment and political scenes, Mejares said he is saddened that many people these days use their God-given gifts not for the common good but to prevail over conflicts like sibling rivalry and even violence.

To avoid rivalry, he said, it is important for people to open their hearts to one another. He told the story of famous tenors Jose Contreras, Placido Domingo and Luciano Pavarote who, at a concert in Los Angeles, California were asked by a reporter if there was rivalry among them.

Domingo reportedly told the reporter, “You have to put all your concentration to opening your heart to the music. You can’t be rivals if you’re making music together.”

Using the story of the three tenors, Mejares said ‘Kaplag’ should be a way for Christians to “make music together”.

“It is God’s command that we should love one another and so we should make music together – a music of love. We should feel the need for more unity among ourselves and it is by being united that we can emphasize and fulfill God’s command,” Mejares said.

He said it is through misunderstandings, divisions and conflicts of ideas that make people move backward.

“Let us make music together, a music of love. Ang atong gugma kinahanglang magpabilin sa atong dughan ug ipaabot kini sa katawhan (Let us make music together, a music of love. We should always have love in our hearts and share the same with others),” Mejares said.

Mejares said Cebuanos have more reason to be closer to God, especially that – quoting historian Horacio dela Costa – Cebu is considered to be the cradle of Philippine Catholicism.

“It is here (Cebu) that Christ was born to the Filipinos. You must be proud of it. Thus, we should be more closer to God who is the owner of our life and we should be a walking community, we should keep moving,” he said.

Right after the Eucharistic celebration, the multi-awarded and world-renown University of the Visayas Chorale rendered religious songs along with Mejares who is also known as a singing priest.

The mini concert was followed by the re-enactment of the Finding of the Image of Senor Sto. Niño performed by the San Diego dancers.

The Basilica Candle Vendors Association who intentionally stopped selling candles at 3p.m. to prepare for their part also performed the Sinulog offering together with the Confradia del Sto. Niño.

All groups and devotees then performed the traditional Sinulog, bringing along with them the images of Senor Sto. Niño, as fireworks lit the sky to cap the celebration.  (FREEMAN)