Friday, April 25, 2008 Seek ways to help others, devotees urged in Kaplag
KAPLAG 2008, a five-day commemoration of the discovery of the Santo Niño image following a fire 443 years ago, officially opened yesterday, with the faithful urged to see the image of the Holy Child in each other.
A mass officiated by Fr. Andrew Batayola, OSA was held at the Magellan’s Cross kiosk to mark the celebration’s opening.
In his homily, Father Batayola emphasized the need for the people to see the face of the Child Jesus in those who need help.
The call is in line with the Archdiocese’s theme for this year, which is “Ang Pagsud-ong sa nawng ni Señor Sto. Niño sa Bibliya.”
Disciples
Yesterday’s Gospel reading also relates to the Archdiocesan theme. The reading talked about Jesus’ command to his disciples to love one another and derive happiness in doing so.
“Our presence today shows our love for Señor Sto. Niño. It is a challenge to us Cebuanos to let other people see the face of God, the face of Señor Sto. Niño through (helping and serving others),” Batayola said.
He said the Augustinian priests are also celebrating the conversion of St. Augustine in Milan.
“St. Augustine was always seeking for the face of God until he finally found him through the Bible,” he said.
Batayola said two Spaniards visited the Sto. Niño Basilica to make a documentary about Cebu.
He said it is an honor for Cebuanos to be part of history.
Batayola ended his sermon by challenging the devotees to spread the faith.
“I hope that we will continue our mission of spreading Christianity, continue valuing the events in history,” he said.
The mass was followed by a procession of the image of Señor Sto. Niño from the Basilica to the Cathedral. (Karen Nacario/UP Mass Comm Intern)
