Generations have come and gone, yet the allure of the Holy Infant remains as strong as ever. In the Philippines, numerous parishes pay homage to Sto. Niño. The recipient of the first Holy image, Cebu City celebrates the Sinulog festival on the third Sunday of January. In Iloilo City, the Dinagyang festival is celebrated the same week as the Sinulog. These two festivals have transcended time to become some of the most significant religious events in the country, drawing thousands of followers who bear witness to the grandeur of this festivity.
On January 21, I was again immersed in the devotion to Sto. Niño. From the old commercial district of Pajo in Caloocan, passing along the Parish of San Roque, I was among the thousands of devotees, including children, who displayed their faith through a long procession of the Holy image. The creativity and vibrancy of the devotees in showcasing their images were genuinely inspiring. Parents carried their children on their shoulders, dancing to the beat of the drums, a sight that filled the air with joy and faith.
Indeed, the significance of this celebration is the innocence of the child, who is full of wonders and gives a sense of happiness and joy to the parents and everyone. It was in 2013 that I witnessed one of the biggest celebrations of Sto. Niño in Luzon. Celebrating The Feast of Sto. Niño de Tondo gave meaning to personal devotion, a reflection of one's faith in the Divine.
Indeed, the significance of this celebration is the innocence of the child, who is full of wonders and gives a sense of happiness and joy to the parents and everyone. It was in 2013 that I witnessed one of the biggest celebrations of Sto. Niño in Luzon. Celebrating The Feast of Sto. Niño de Tondo gave meaning to personal devotion, a reflection of one's faith in the Divine.
Celebrating the Feast of Sto. Nino 2016 was another chance to witness and glimpse this celebration. Two years later, it became more upbeat and alive. Unlike other religious procession, this is not the solemn type since they would carry the image and have it move or dance. This, however, is a personal devotion and belief. In the end, it is our faith that matters.
Like the Holy Child Jesus, we are called to embody innocence. But our faith, like a river, must not stagnate; it must keep flowing and growing. We must continually expand our faith, reaching out to those who continue to believe and have faith in God, no matter their challenges.
Like the Holy Child Jesus, we are called to embody innocence. But our faith, like a river, must not stagnate; it must keep flowing and growing. We must continually expand our faith, reaching out to those who continue to believe and have faith in God, no matter their challenges.
© 2018 Del Cusay