CEBU, Philippines - The Order of St. Augustine, which is running the Basilica del Sto. Niño, plans to integrate “green ideas” for the historical church to become a “green basilica.”
This is part of their “ecological evangelization” advocacy, said Fr. Tito Soquino, an environmental advocate.
In an interview over dyAB, Soquino said they were inspired to have innovative green plans for the basilica after the Vatican installed solar cells in one of its auditoriums.
“We were inspired... kita dinhi ang pinaka-first basilica sa Pilipinas, mao na among damgo to follow the footsteps of the holy father to show that the basilica can be a green basilica using solar power,” Soquino said.
He added that after five years, the Philippines will celebrate its 450th year of Christianization and they hope this would be enough time for them to implement their green plans for the basilica.
Meanwhile, the Augustinian priests are inviting environmental advocate groups and private individuals to join tomorrow’s environmental mass at the Basilica at 7:00p.m.
“We would like to give social dimension ang pag tuo ni Señor Santo Niño not just a personal or a family devotion but also on the societal dimension sa pag tu-o. Everybody apiktado gyud sa kalikupan,” Soquino said.
He quoted Pope Benedict the XVI as saying, “If you want peace, protect creation.”
“The Basilica and the Church in general have already set up the pace. Daghan nang mga kaparian ang maghisgot na sa kalikupan diha sa ilang mga homiliya,” Soquino said.
Their ecological evangelization efforts were inspired by the famous “Bato Balani” which depicts love and utmost trust to Señor Santo Niño.
This is the main reason, he said, that they formed a loose coalition with the civil society to push for protection of the environment.
He cited as example the underwater grotto at the Danajon reef in Bien Unido, Bohol.
The underwater grotto, Soquino said, is a symbol of their campaign for illegal fishing and protection of the environment which their group, the “Sea Knights Fathers,” blessed last October 28. Authorities reported less illegal fishing activities at the Danajon reef after two huge images of the Mary and of the Santo Niño were submerged in the area.
Also, he said they are including in their efforts the protection of the Mananga water shed so the entire Cebuano community will have a safe source of potable water.
Soquino challenges devotees of Señor Santo Niño to have a clear line between true faith and superstitious beliefs imbedded in our culture.
“Di nato i-sumpay ang atong mga pagtuo sa mga tuo-tuo. Giawhag namo ang tanan sa pag-padayon sa ilang debosyon kang Santo Niño and let this celebration to be not a personal devotion but rather a social obligation to protect our environment,” he added. (FREEMAN NEWS)