THOUSANDS of devotees attended the Walk with Mary procession on Friday dawn, January 13, 2023.
The Cebu City Disaster Risk and Management Office (CDRRMO) estimated the crowd to be between 350,000 and 400,000 people.
A Traslacion Mass followed at the Pilgrim Center of the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño de Cebu right after the procession.
Fr. John Ion Miranda, media liaison of the Basilica, said around 35,000 worshippers, including those outside the church compound, attended the concelebrated mass, which was presided over by Rev. Fr. Danilo Carido.
Miranda said they were glad that the mass and procession were held smoothly and orderly, adding the weather was also good.
In his homily, Carido said miracles only happen if the faithful has strong faith in God.
He said strong devotion to God would enable one to surpass their problems and achieve their desires in life.
He narrated how a paralytic man ignored all his struggles and let his strong faith in Jesus Christ prevail.
"They (paralytic and his friends) didn't even mind how thick the crowd was on their way. They find ways to look for Jesus and to find a way to be with Him," said Carido.
As stated in Mark 2:1-12, Jesus Christ heals and forgives the paralytic man because of his remarkable trust and belief in God.
Carido encouraged the people to tell all their wants to the Lord, cooperate with Him, and believe in His power.
He also reminded them to always observe humility just like what Jesus did when He was on Earth. (HIC)