Holy Child to visit sick, detainees in 2024 fiesta

CEBU, Philippines — Just three days after the 2024 new year, the Holy Child will visit the sick and those in jails, as part of the observance of the 459th Fiesta Señor.

This was revealed by Rev. Father John Ion Miranda, Basilica Minore del Santo Niño (BMSN) Secretariat director, during yesterday's press conference, where he also released the celebration's schedule of activities.

"The Pilgrim Image of Señor Santo Niño de Cebu will visit correctional facilities and hospitals in the cities of Talisay, Cebu, and Mandaue, as pre-Fiesta Señor activities on January 4 to 9, 2024," he said

"After the celebration of the Fiesta Señor in the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, there will be a visitation of the Pilgrim Image of Santo Niño de Cebu to some parishes in the Archdiocese of Cebu and other dioceses in the country and abroad," he added.

Fr. Miranda also said that the "Penitential Walk with Jesus" and the opening salvo are on Jan. 11, 2024; the Novena Masses are on Jan. 11 to 19; and the "Penitential Walk with Mary", which follows the same route of the Penitential Walk with Jesus, is on Jan. 19.

The Traslaciones in the cities of Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu, on the other hand, is on Jan. 19 to 20, while the fluvial parade and "Solemn Foot Procession of the Vulnerable Image of Cebu" are also on Jan. 20.

The fiesta celebration, themed "Santo Niño: Magnet of Love in the Synodal Church", is on Jan. 21, or the third Sunday of January 2024.

Fr. Miranda said the route for the "Walk with Jesus" and "Walk with Mary" processions is longer compared to that in the previous years because of the ongoing civil works along Osmeña Blvd. for the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit project.

The same is also true for the "Solemn Foot Procession" which, at 6.44 kilometers, is a kilometer higher than last year's.

Fr. Miranda said the theme includes the attribute given to the Holy Child that reflects the Lord as the center of faith, hope and love, as the citizens of the world journey together as "people of God."

In line with the schedule of activities, he appealed for all devotees, pilgrims, and guests to adhere to all protocols BMSN are implementing for a safe, orderly, and solemn conduct of the religious celebration.

"As one community of faith, together, let us be mindful, quoting from the solemn blessing of the Santo Niño Mass, that 'a good Christian makes a better citizen'," Fr. Miranda said.

The police, though, would also be ready.

Police Lt. Col. Gerard Ace Pelare, Police Regional Office-7 spokesperson, said they would conduct a threat assessment for each 459th Fiesta Señor activity to determine how many security personnel would have to be deployed to secure it.

He said they would also use new technology like drones to better ensure the security of the participants in the fiesta activities.

"We see this as a very important innovation for the last Sinulog 2023, and we are planning to replicate this innovation," Pelare said. —/RHM (FREEMAN)