CEBUANOS who joined and witnessed the Sinulog Grade Parade 2018 were encouraged to reach out to others, especially the poor, and imitate the humility and trusting love of children.
Msgr. Roberto Alesna, parish priest of the Archdiocesan Shrine of St. Therese of the Child Jesus in Lahug, challenged the public in his homily Sunday, January 21, that if their devotion to the Sr. Sto. Nino is true, they must not stop at placing the Child Jesus' image in altars, churches and offices, but they must continue to carry the image wherever they may go.
"This means we should reach out to people. Start responding to their needs. Show special love to little ones," he said.
The "little ones," he added, are the poor, powerless, defenseless, and helpless who only rely on God for support.
"Today, the Child Jesus invites us to imitate the humility and trusting love of children," he said.
The mass, held at the Cebu City Sports Center, started around 8 a.m. Sunday to open the Sinulog grand parade.
Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmena declared the celebration open around 11 a.m. with the entry of the Cebu City Government's contingent.
Among those who joined the Cebu City Government's contingent are bikers in Cebu, as well as government employees.
The City Government also showcased its Star Wars-themed float, with Darth Vader, jedis and droids, among other characters, onboard.
The Sinulog grand parade is expected to end around 5 p.m. (LMY/SunStar Philippines)