Sinulog devotees laud new measures at the basilica

CEBU, Philippines - Millions of devotees were grateful for the 24-hour accessibility of the Basilica del Santo Niño for four days.  This first was a brainchild of the new rector, Fr. Jonas Mejares, OSA.

Mejares, who is also overall chairman of the Sinulog activities of the Church, said that he has survived his first term as the new rector and the new things he introduced received positive feedback from the people.

“Sugod pag opening salvo hangtod gahapon sa Thanksgiving Mass, all our activities were greatly done and many people congratulated me and gave positive feedback, which indeed signifies that the entire event was successful,” Mejares said.

Mejares, for the first time, allowed the Basilica to be open for 24 hours from January 17 to 20, to give the people the chance to venerate the image of the Holy Child.

Another thing was the 3,000 umbrellas intended to be used by the devotees in case of rain or extreme heat of the sun while attending Mass. He said that it cost a total of P400,000 and was financed by the Basilica management.

However, some umbrellas were not returned and Mejares said that with the thousands of people gathered inside the Basilica this cannot be avoided.

The usual practice of the El Teniente General and the El Capitan General prior to the Solemn Procession was also highlighted well for the very first time with a real military turnover.

The Basilica is now preparing for the “Hubo” Mass or the changing of the vestments of the image of the Holy Child on January 25.  This will be presided over by Mejares.

On January 26, will also be the “One in a Song” concert, directed by Mejares at the Basilica del Santo Niño Pilgrim’s Center.

“One in a Song”, is a song composed by Mejares himself. He said that the song implies unity in diversity, bringing people together as one.

Aside from being the director, Mejares will also be singing some songs from the Eraserheads, Rivermaya and Parokya ni Edgar.

Among the performers will be the Augustinian priests, selected singing students from Colegio del Santo Niño, the Primus band from the University of San Augustine conservatory of music, premiera vocalist Champiclers and Angelkym Acusta.

After he sang “Magellan” by Yoyoy Villame, during his homily in the reenactment of the First Mass last Saturday many people got interested and asked about tickets to the concert.

Mejares also thanked the guards who kept the basilica peaceful and orderly.

“Nahingangha ko sa pagtoo sa mga tawo, sa kabaga sa panon sa mga debotos ni Santo Niño. Duol kaayo Siya sa dughan sa mga Cebuano. Nakita sa akong duha ka mga mata nga si Santo Niño ang strength and inspiration nila,” Mejares said.  –(FREEMAN)