Devotees told: Deepen faith in Santo Niño

CEBU, Philippines — The Papal Nuncio to the Philippines, Archbishop Gabriele Giordano Caccia, yesterday called on the thousands who flocked to the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño in Cebu City to deepen their faith in the child Jesus as the country gears for the 500th year of Christianity in 2021.

Based on police estimate, at least 3,000 attended the concelebrated Mass Caccia that presided to launch the Quincentennial celebration of the arrival of the image of Señor Santo Niño in Cebu.

"We are called to remain childlike in our life and be adult in our faith, offering the gift we have received to others," Caccia said.

"We have to grow in faith so that we will bring the fruit of faith and anyone who meets a Christian should be able to savor the good fruits of faith, of a life similar to the life of Jesus," he added.

Caccia also led the blessing of the official Santo Niño Pilgrim image and unveiled the “Santo Niño at 500” celebration logo.

Caccia said the Santo Niño is not an image of colonialism as the Cebuanos were baptized first as first Filipino Christians before the image was shown to them.

They were shown the image of the child Jesus because they believed in the Santo Niño, Caccia said.

Prior to the Mass, historian priest Arnel Dizon, OSA presented how the image of the Santo Niño was left with the Cebuanos after the Magellan expedition in the Philippines.

While the Santo Niño is a child, Caccia said it is important to keep in mind that he holds the world in his hand, became king, but died on the cross.

"He did not scare anyone. He continued to be kind and gentle even to those who are killing him for our sake," Caccia said.

"God is always with us and there is only one way to alienate from God, that is, if we decide to go away. But God is respectful and He gave us freedom. If we want to go away, he let us free. But the Father is will always welcome, if you decide to go back. He cares for us," Caccia said in his homily.

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma, in his thanksgiving speech, said, "We pray that we grow in faith, hope and love. May we truly be grateful for the gift of Santo Niño with the abiding of our God, Our Father and share this gift to others."

Activities

Meanwhile, the Archdiocese of Cebu has lined up several activities in coordination with local government units.

Fr. Mhar Balili, secretary general of the National Mission Congress, said the public can expect at least seven highlights, including the Pilgrimage of the Jubilee Cross wherein a replica of the Magellan's cross will visit various parishes in the country starting December 1.

There will also be monthly Jubilees, Parish/Archdiocesan Mission Congress, National Mission Congress, Amorsolo Painting Exhibit, Triduum Celebrations, and a reenactment of the first baptism in the country.

Renowned furniture designer Kenneth Cobonpue also announced that a Heritage Walk will take place at several churches and museums in Cebu in line with the celebration of 500 years of Christianity.

Two pilgrim images of the Santo Niño will visit 500 parishes here and abroad as the activity aligns with the theme, "Santo Niño, the abiding presence of the Father in our journey of faith."

The country's oldest Catholic, the Santo Niño de Cebu is known for his miracles, personal devotions that transcend religions, and significance both in history and culture.

The image of Santo Niño arrived in Cebu on April 7, 1521 during the Magellan expedition.

The friars of the Order of St. Augustine of the Province of Sto. Niño de Cebu-Philippines have also outlined various activities for the celebration, including the grand launch, Augustinian Legacy Mapping, conferences, Kaplag 455th Commemoration, Sto. Niño @500 Pilgrimage, putting up of historical markers, Sto. Niño museum, revival of the missionary presence in Ilocos Norte, conservation plans for the Augustinian basilica and the surrounding structures, and the publication of a commemorative coffee table book.

The Augustinians were the first missionaries in the country and the caretakers of the miraculous image since 1565.

 Police said yesterday’s activities were peaceful.

Police Major Jomar Pomarejos, Waterfront Police Station and ground commander of the event yesterday, said no untoward incident recorded.

Cebu City Police chief, Police Colonel Geovanie Maines, inspected the Basilica Minore del Santo Nino personally.

CCPO deployed 500 policemen to ensure the safety and security of those who attended the activities at the Basilica.  JMO (FREEMAN)