Hydraulic roof mulled for pilgrims’ center

CEBU, Philippines - The new rector of the Basilica del Sto. Niño is contemplating to install a “hydraulic roof” over the pilgrim center to protect the churchgoers and devotees from the extreme heat of the sun or heavy rains every time they hear a Mass.

Fr. Jonas Mejares is hoping that this new enhancement at the Basilica will be done before the next fiesta celebration of the Sto. Niño.

 â€œThis is my dream nga mabutangan ug hydraulic roof kining atong pilgrim center in order to protect our churchgoers and devotees from the extreme heat of the sun or heavy rains every time they will hear Mass,” Mejares told The FREEMAN.

Mejares said he will be meeting the business tycoons in Cebu after the Sinulog to discuss this matter with them. Mejares started the initiative with the 3,000 umbrellas that are made available this year to people attending the Novena Masses at the pilgrim center. The Basilica spent P400,000 for the customized umbrellas.

Mejares also plans to put up huge concert-type tents outside the Basilica next year for those devotees that will not be accommodated inside the pilgrim center. Mejares is also optimistic that a hydraulic system will be set up at the pilgrim center to carry the priests who will be giving the hosts during the communion.

Mejares led the thousands of devotees yesterday dawn during the Opening Salvo of the fiesta activities. It was his first time to join the Walk with Jesus from Fuente Osmeña to the Basilica.

He was also joined by Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama. The Mayor told Mejares that there were more attendees this year compared to the past years because both sides of the road were occupied by the devotees.

Mejares was impressed by the Cebuanos’ devotion to the Holy Child because despite the rain the people remained intact during the procession until the Novena Mass at the Basilica.

 â€œNahingangha ko sa akong nakita. Sauna ako ra ning nadungog pero karun ako na gyung nakita ang buhing pagtuo sa mga Sugbuanon nga wala naku nakita sa ubang lugar,” Mejares told The FREEMAN.

“This is the first time that I joined the Walk with Jesus. I was deeply touched, I felt like crying and I was deeply touched and moved with the singing of the Gozos seeing the strong faith and the religiosity of the devotees of Sto. Niño,” Mejares added.

Mejares said that this strikes a great challenge to all the priests to keep this faith burning among the devotees of the Sto. Niño.  —FPL (FREEMAN)