Saturday, January 12, 2008 Sto. Niño is ‘superhero’ who brings miracles: priest
Hundreds of devotees braved the rain and crowded the Basilica del Sto. Niño to attend the mass that opened this year’s Sinulog celebration.
The devotees said it’s their faith in the Sto. Niño that drives them to the church every year.
“Bahalag magkalisud, anhi gihapon mi diri (It’s difficult to get here, but we don’t mind),” said devotee Levy Dimdam, who came all the way from Opon with his wife.
He said his wife, who has been a devotee since she was still single, influenced him to embrace the faith in the Holy Child.
Blessings
Ten-year-old twins Jesumite and Jesuniño Bequilla said they came from Tangke, Talisay with their mother. They said they pray for the Sto. Niño to give them more blessings and good health.
Emiliana Sunarago, 63, candle vendor for 29 years, said the Sto. Niño never failed to help her and her fellow vendors a living.
She recalled one visit when she only had money for fare. But after the celebration, she went home to Tabogon, Cebu with blessings more than enough for her family.
Homily
This is an example of a simple event that carries great meaning, as what Msgr. Roberto “Boy” Alesna said in his homily. He said the Sto. Niño is a “superhero” that brings miracles to those who believe in Him.
One of these miracles is in the Bible, where Jesus cures a leper who asked for his help. Alesna said Jesus’ compassionate heart took away the curse from the leper.
Alesna challenged the faithful to follow Jesus and be compassionate to others.
He said the celebration is not just about praising and worshiping Jesus, but is also about following His examples. “Ang dagway ni Hesus naa sa atong tupad ug naa sa atong palibot (Jesus’ face is all around us),” he said.
Schools
As the mass was going on, rain continued to pour but the devotees didn’t mind getting wet.
Cebu City Vice Mayor Michaell Rama reminded them that rain is a blessing.
“Whether rain or rain, we must be thankful,” he said.
The celebration was capped with presentations from different schools. (Lyra Fe Serafin, La Salle University – Ozamiz Intern)
