Navy honors Holy Child

CEBU, Philippines -  The Philippine Navy yesterday morning gave the Sto. Niño military honors as the boat carrying the image passed by Pier 5, in acknowledgment of the Holy Child's rank as Capitan General.

The ceremony was part of the highlight of yesterday's commemoration of the anniversary of the finding of the image of the Holy Child 446 years ago in a hut where the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño now stands.

The holy image was brought to the Naval Based Rafael Ramos in Lapu-Lapu City where it stayed from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for public veneration.

Commodore Zybil Carlos of the Philippine Navy said the event was "significant" for the navy considering that among the reasons why the Basilica held such activity is to call on the Sto. Niño to continue protecting the country's sea fearers, fishers, the sea wardens, and the people in the navy.

Fr. Tito Soquino, in his homily during the mass at the Basilica before the Sto. Niño was taken to the Malacañang sa Sugbu for the fluvial parade, said there have been "lots of maritime accidents" in the country as it is an archipelagic nation, hence "we call Him to protect us…"

As a sign of respect to their Captain General, several boats sounded their horns when the navy ship carrying the Sto. Niño passed by.

The event was not only significant for the navy but also for the people of Mactan Island.

Soquiño said it was the first time in several years that the Sto. Niño had set foot in the island since typically the holy image would only traverse the island's waters during the traditional fluvial procession in January, a day before His feast.

Carlos said the event might be marked every year.

Based on history, the icon of the Sto. Niño was discovered in April 28, 1565 by Juan Camus, a soldier of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi.

The icon is believed to be a gift of Ferdinand Magellan to Queen Juana 44 years before it was discovered in that shack.  (FREEMAN)