CEBU CITY, Philippines – Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma yesterday reminded all Sto. Niño devotees to “love and care for children beyond words” as he explained that the Sinulog fiesta is not just a feast in honor of the Holy Child but of all children in the world.
“Many of our children might not receive the right love and compassion from others, from us. Let’s love, care and carry them just like how we love, adore, carry and worship the Señor Sto. Niño,” he said in his homily during the pontifical mass in the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño.
Palma also wanted the love and care extended to street children who are neglected, left out and rejected by society.
Just like the Holy Child, he added, all children must be carried in people’s lives and hearts – expressed in the usual cuddling, carrying and caring for a young person.
Some Cebuanos who have gone to the US also celebrated the Sinulog in New Jersey every year.
Carlita Aquino, 34, said she now works as a teacher in Washington although she failed to pass the licensure exams for teachers in the Philippines.
She said she never lost hope and continued to pray to the Holy Child.
“Everything I have asked (for), all of them are answered. I did not pass the teacher’s board exam but I made it here with higher income and able to help my family – this is more than what I have asked for,” said Aquino, who hails from Barili town in Cebu.
Joel Bayadog, 31, who now works in South Africa, said he always remembers the Sto. Niño in whatever challenges life brings. Each year, he sends his contribution so his sibling could prepare for a fiesta in honor of the saint.
Another devotee said it was the Holy Child that enabled their family to accept the frailty of their sister-in-law and her love child.