Rector: Spare Sinulog of politicking

CEBU, Philippines – Echoing the call of local officials, the rector of the Basilica del Sto. Niño yesterday reminded political aspirants to avoid politicking during the week-long feast of the Sto. Niño.

Fr. Jonas Mejares said the conduct of sorties during solemn celebrations that are part of the Sinulog celebration should be avoided, stressing that it is not the time yet for campaigning.

He said everyone, including politicians, must respect the solemnity of the annual event.

He clarified, though, that politicians are welcome to join in all Sinulog activities as devotees, not as political aspirants.

“Walay problema mosibya but kun mopasundayag that’s another issue. They are devotees like us, (so) if they want to attend the activities they are welcome. Hinaot lang unta nga ang ilang pagtambong kinasingkasing, dili isip politiko ug pangampanya,” he told a press conference yesterday.

Meanwhile, Mejares  said the Basilica is open 24 hours for the public to pay homage to the miraculous Señor Sto. Niño.

He said they will open the gate fronting Jakosalem Street to provide additional entry points to the Basilica and give easy access for the devotees.

He also said that this year’s Traslacion route has been changed to give devotees in other areas of Cebu City and of Mandaue City the opportunity to experience “the indescribable joy and unique experience of being passed and visited by the miraculous icon.”

Traslacion is the bringing or transferring of replicas of the images of Sto. Niño and the Our Lady of Guadalupe from the Basilica to The National Shrine of St. Joseph in Mandaue for an overnight vigil.

It commences with a Misa de Traslacion at 5:30 a.m. and is immediately followed by the Traslacion Motorcade at 7:15 a.m.

This year, the motorcade’s Cebu City route passes through Osmeña Boulevard, right to D. Jakosalem Street, right to General Maxilom Avenue, left to Gorordo Avenue, right to Archbishop Reyes Avenue, straight to Governor Cuenco Avenue, and right to A.S. Fortuna Street straight to A.O. Del Rosario St (or right to E. Rosal Street if the road to Del Rosario Street is still not open) in Mandaue. From there, the motorcade would turn right to S.B. Cabahug Street, and right again to St. Joseph, where a mass would follow after.

The January 16 fluvial procession, on the other hand, would be preceded by an early dawn Mass at 4 a.m. and a foot procession from the Shrine to the Ouano wharf, where the Sto. Niño image would be placed on a “galleon.”

The sea procession would then start at 6 a.m., with the galleon expected to arrive at Pier 1 at 8 a.m. to be welcomed by various Sinulog dancing groups.

During the fluvial procession, the Philippine Navy and the Philippine Coast Guard, would deploy floating assets and personnel to secure the galleon and to avoid any sea mishap. — Kristine B. Quintas/RHM (FREEMAN)