Pope’s message on humility echoed in Pontifical Mass

CEBU, Philippines – Yesterday’s pontifical mass reflections centered on humility and strengthening of Christian values echoing the message of Pope Francis in his apostolic five-day visit to the Philippines.

“Nahimoot ko sa comment sa taga-CNN sa iyang observation sa Santo Papa dihang miadto siya sa Tacloban ug Palo. Ang iyang gisuot nga raincoat parehas sa gisul-ob sa kadaghanan. Mao nay incarnation. Siya nagpakita nga ang Ginoo minaug gikan sa langit aron makig-usa kanato. Visible kaayo ni sa gihimo ni Pope Francis,” Cebu auxiliary bishop Emilio Bataclan addressed the jampacked Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño pilgrim center with devotees occupying surrounding streets.

The Argentinian Holy Father, Bataclan added, has epitomized humility as he espoused equality regardless of social status and circumstance.

“Adunahan man o kabus, pareha ra nga hangin ang atong giginhawa. Daghan kaayo ta’g expectation gikan sa Ginoo. Kung siya nahimong tawo ug miuban nato, kita unta usab mamahimong sama niya,” the auxiliary bishop said.

Moreover, Bataclan reiterated the pontiff’s message during the encounter with families in Manila while injecting his view on same sex marriage.

“Kung magminyo sila unya mag-anak, maglibog ang bata ana kinsa ang Papa ug Mama,” he said in jest.

The 24-minute homily was basically injected with humor while presenting teachings of church and Christ.

The Holy Mass was amplified through speakers and wide screens mounted around the Basilica complex as nearby streets were closed to vehicles to be solely used by pedestrians.

Bataclan presided the Fiesta Señor Pontifical Mass on behalf of Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma, who could not grace the feast of Holy Child Jesus as he attended the Papal visit activities.

Family Tradition

Dressing one’s child in the likes of the Sto. Niño has been part of expressing devotion.

For Siano family, this tradition is a must every January.

Not one, but three children of couple Cherry May and Orly Dan Siano were dressed like the Niños as they went to the pontifical mass at the Basilica.

This started since they had their seven year-old child Ronald John until their second child Mark Daniel (two years old) and youngest daughter (two months old).

“Every year, amo na gyud ning debosyon. Nagsugod ni 2007. Usa pa among anak ato hangtud nga karon tulo na sila. Last year ra mi wala nakaapil kay dunay kakulian,” Cherry told The Freeman.

The family intends to continue this act of devotion until it is passed to their succeeding generations. — (FREEMAN)