Cebuanos’ faith amazes bishop

CEBU, Philippines - Having witnessed the Sinulog activities for the first time, Auxiliary Bishop of Cebu Oscar Florencio could not help but be amaze of what he saw.

Florencio said he was astounded by the strong and deep faith in the Señor Sto. Niño shown by the Cebuanos, having seen how around 300 devotees joined the opening salvo of the Sinulog activities last January 8.

Florencio, 49, is a native of Burauen town in Leyte. He was rector of St. John the Evangelist School of Theology (SJEST) in Palo before he assumed his post as assistant bishop of Cebu on September 7 after being appointed by Pope Francis.

“Dugay na panahon na ko sige og damgo nga maka-attend sa Sinulog. Karon nia na gyod ko for special circumstances,” he said.

He said this year is memorable for him after celebrating yesterday’s 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. novena masses.

Seeing the huge crowd, he said the Sinulog is a testament of the admirable display of faith of the Cebuanos to the Sto. Niño.

“Nalipay ko sa devotion sa mga tawo ngadto ni Sto. Niño nga naghatag usab og paglaum kanatong tanan,” he said.

“Nakita nako nga buhi kaayo ang pagtuo nga dili abstract but dunay buhat,” he said.

He hoped that the devotion remains whatever trials and problems a person is facing and battling.

Florencio urged everyone to take the Sinulog as an opportunity to have fun as well as to strengthen one’s faith in God.   

“Faith nga dili lang sa hunahuna but sa kasingkasing ug sa buhat tinabangan sa grasya sa Ginoo,” he said.

He said people must also learn to the virtues of the Sto. Niño who is merciful, compassionate, forgiving and generous. (FREEMAN)