Radio stations were swamped with calls when talk shows picked up the story bannered by The Freeman and started discussions on the issue.
Most of the comments expressed shock and outrage over a development that shook the very foundations of their faith.
Random interviews by The Freeman itself showed the same sentiment — Cebuanos simply could not see themselves without a special relationship with the Santo Niño as their patron.
But Fr. Harold Rentoria, director of the Colegio del Santo Niño, said the declaration by Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal last Tuesday was correct.
"They were right in saying the Santo Niño cannot be called the patron of Cebu because He is Jesus Himself. We pray directly to Jesus as the Santo Niño," he said.
Told about the public reaction to the edict, especially the angry calls to radio stations, Rentoria said, "It may be because, historically, the Santo Niño is the protector of Cebu and the Philippines. The image symbolizes Christianization and the faith. So it does not contradict with the declaration of Cardinal Vidal. We have to continue as it is."
"The Santo Niño was not really replaced. Historically, He remains the symbol of our faith. The Santo Niño remains as He is. Only, He is no longer the patron of Cebu. The church, through Cardinal Vidal, can declare the chosen patroness of Cebu," Rentoria added.
Pedy Arella, a member of the Couples for Christ’s provincial council, tried to temper the effects of the announcement, saying it is a matter of explaining Vidal’s declaration. — Freeman News Service