INSTEAD of gadgets and toys, children who joined the second year of the “Pasos sa Kabataan” at the Archdiocesan Shrine of San Roque Parish in Barangay Mambaling, Cebu City carried bamboo crosses.

According to Fr. Mhar Vincent Balili’s estimates, around 250 children between the ages of five and 12 joined the procession that started at the parish last Saturday, April 13.

A mass celebrated by Balili was held prior to the activity at 3 p.m. During his homily, he explained the meaning of the event to the children.

He also introduced them to the statues of several saints and Jesus Christ that were joining the procession and gave them a short biography on each one.

After the mass, Balili blessed the children’s bamboo crosses.

Balili said he wanted to introduce the traditions of the Catholic Church to the young through the “Pasos sa Kabataan.”

Carrying bamboo crosses, he said, would allow the children to experience the sacrifice of Jesus Christ to redeem men and women of their sins.

“The children looked amused but it was more of an experience, a glimpse of the sacrifice since they are children... Maybe it created a little impact in their lives,” Balili said in Cebuano.

Images that participated in the procession included the Jesus del Huerto, the whipping of Christ, Jesus of Nazarene, St. Peter, St. Cleofe, St. Longinos and St. John the Evangelist, among others.

On Sunday, April 14, Roman Catholics around the world will celebrate the entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem with the blessing of palm fronds.

According to Balili, Palm Sunday carries two themes, the victory of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem and remembering His suffering before His death and resurrection. It is also a time to welcome Jesus in the hearts and homes of the faithful.

“Today, let us continue with the tradition because that is part of our history. But the good thing to do is to post the palms that have been blessed on our front doors. It’s a theme of welcoming Jesus into our houses. Welcome Jesus to our hearts,” Balili said. FROM SCG OF SUPERBALITA CEBU / JKV