Priest warns Sto. Niño devotees vs drinking

MANILA, Philippines - A priest of the Sto. Niño de Tondo Parish yesterday reminded devotees not to mix their devotion to the image of the Holy Child Jesus with alcoholic drinks as they observe the feast of their patron saint today.

Father Edu Gariguez urged Tondo residents to refrain from drinking wine and liquor so as not to spoil the festivity.

Gariguez – who is also the executive secretary of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines-National Secretariat for Social Action, Justice and Peace – said previous observance festivals often ended with someone getting hurt or killed due to alcoholic drinks.

“There had been instances in the past feast day celebrations that their drinking led to squabbles. This is why after the celebration of the Feast of Sto. Niño, people’s usual question is, ‘How many died?’” Gariguez said.

He said these reports of crimes affected the true meaning of the occasion. 

“You would be surprised by the number of devotees, but the drinking does not complement their devotion,” the Tondo priest said.

He said the feast day of the Sto. Niño should be spent in prayer and showing respect for the Child Jesus. 

Various provinces hold land and fluvial processions and other activities in January as tribute to the Sto. Niño. The feast day falls on the third Sunday of the month.