“WE NEED to empty and humble ourselves so that, through the grace and mercy of God, we will be changed.”
This was the challenge posed to devotees during the “Hubo” dawn mass Friday, Jan. 25, at the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño to mark the end of the 454th Fiesta Señor celebration.
The “Hubo” or the ritual of undressing the image of the Sto. Niño is done five days after the Sinulog grand parade that happens every third Sunday of January.
Fr. Pacifico Nojara, OSA, Basilica rector, reminded the faithful of the importance of conversion as he cited the story of Saint Paul who was a persecutor who became a missionary.
“From being self righteous, Saint Paul became a humble servant following the likeness of Christ. This is the message today. That we, as children of God, and devotees of the Señor Sto. Niño, with humility, we must accept our sinfulness and change our hearts,” he said.
Nojara led the “Hubo” which began with the detaching of the image’s crown, orb, scepter, then its bands, cape, tunic, inner garments, and boots.
As the Sto. Niño’s garments were removed one piece at a time, the devotees accompanied the choir in singing the “Christe, Exaudi Nos,” which means “Christ, graciously hear us.”
After the undressing of the image, the Sto. Niño was bathed in holy water, wiped with a white cloth, and dressed in its ordinary garments.
A short Sinulog dance presentation was offered as the ritual ended. Around 30 other priests celebrated the “Hubo” mass.
While devotees brought their own images of the Sto. Niño, Babylyn Añana, 29, brought her 11-month-old baby dressed as Sto. Niño.
“Ikaduha na ni nakong simba sa Hubo. Saad man ni nako siya; pinangayo ni nako niya, akong panganay,” she said. (Wenilyn Sabalo, USJ-R Intern)