True devotion

I forced myself to wake up last Thursday amid personal battles. It was the opening salvo day for the Feast of the Santo Niño de Cebu. Our celebration is a spiritual fervor unmatched by any other. This year’s festivities began with the much-anticipated “Walk with Jesus”, a solemn procession marking the start of the religious activities. True enough, despite light rain showers, 160,000 individuals showed up to show their devotion for the Child Jesus with their candles illuminating the path as prayers filled the air. It was very serene. The authorities were doing their job in securing the carroza of the image which was surrounded by Augustinian priests.

It was very revered and a pleasant sight to see. I could liken it to a sea of devotees, who witnessed to see the Holy Child return to the Basilica as a signal of the start of the Novena Masses. Despite the challenges of large crowds, the authorities said that it was generally peaceful. This is a testament to the discipline and reverence of the Cebuanos. Everyone followed the advisories announced and did not even bother to push one another just to get near the revered image. This tranquility stands in stark contrast to reports of rowdiness in Manila during similar religious gatherings, their Traslacion of the Jesus Nazarene. Videos online showed how they shoved one another, even disobeying police.

While both cities share a devotion to their respective traditions, it is evident that Cebu’s approach highlights a deeper collective respect for the holy image of Señor Santo Niño, the centerpiece of the Fiesta Señor. We do not have the urge to touch as power is translated with a mere wave. In the traditional gozos, our hands are lifted to pay homage. The Santo Niño, a representation of the Child Jesus, is more than just a religious icon for Cebuanos; it is a symbol of hope, protection, and unwavering faith. Year after year, devotees of all ages gather in processions, novenas, and celebrations to honor the Holy Child, demonstrating an extraordinary sense of devotion. I’d like to say that our devotion is more pure and more personal. More than a touch.

Devotion, at its core, is a profound love and dedication to a cause, belief, or figure. In the context of faith, it transcends mere ritual. Manila’s experience, by contrast, reminds us of the fine line between celebration and chaos. The rowdiness reported in some religious events there calls for introspection. The festivities should not overshadow the essence of the tradition. The Fiesta Señor reminds us that devotion is both an individual and collective act. It challenges us to approach faith with discipline, humility, and sincerity.

As Cebuanos gather to celebrate the Santo Niño in the coming days, may their example inspire others to reflect on their own expressions of faith. True devotion, after all, lies not in the noise we make but in the peace we bring to our hearts and to the world around us.