IT´S good that the devotion to the Sto. Niňo is strong and deep in the Philippines, especially in Cebu. With the celebration of his solemnity recently, we are once again blown away with joy and gratitude at how this expression of popular piety is nourishing and strengthening our soul as a people.
There is something mysterious in this devotion, simply because it defies all human logic. Instead of waning, it is waxing. Time has not weakened it. Rather, time seems to give it more space and material to build up.
Instead of deteriorating into superstition, it is gaining doctrinal purity. It´s, of course, a give-and-take and tentative affair yet, just like anything in this life, but on the whole it´s quite set on a stable path of development as far as popular piety goes.
Not only the poor, the young, the curious, and the simple are captivated by the Sto. Niňo, but also the rich, the not so young, the experienced and the sophisticated are kind of hooked to it. You don´t see his images only in the jeepneys, taxis, carinderias. They can be seen given a prominent place in palatial residences.
In Cebu, the religious fervor given to him reaches its most intense degree. It´s all engraved or indelibly tattooed on the people´s hearts. It looks like it has affected their genetic make-up. That´s because no matter what condition and circumstance in life they may find themselves in, they are unquestionably one in their attachment to the Sto. Niňo.
The novena Masses prior to the feast—and there a good number of them in each of those 9 days—are always SROs. Imagine the solemnity itself! The atmosphere is just electric, almost surreal, as thousands of people seem transfixed in deep prayer and worship.
They gather all kinds of people. And it´s indeed moving to see the simple folks, obviously coming from far towns and provinces even, conspicuously happy to take part in the celebration. They generate such a tsunami of piety that can melt hearts made of stone and iron.
It goes without saying that hordes of people from abroad also come, be they ¨balikbayans¨ or foreigners. In this year´s celebration, the Koreans have become very visible, a very gratifying sight.
The procession switches the people´s mode from awe to an explosion of pious expressions that include the chanting of ¨Pit Senyor,¨ the waving of hands, and even singing and dancing.
Even the city´s celebration of the feast, highlighted by what´s known as Sinulog (carried away by the current), irrespective of the worldly motives that may go into it as in commercialism, tourism, business, politics, entertainment, etc., cannot erase the religious character of the whole event.
People dance to the beat of the Sinulog music, carrying little images of the Sto. Niňo, which they wave into the air and sometimes putting it close to their heart. Street dancing has never been so meaningful. I consider this as pure prayer and piety in action. It´s not anymore prayer in the lips nor in the heart and mind. It´s prayer in the flesh!
In all this, I get the sensation that the definition of the Church as a people of God in communion with Him and among ourselves is brought live right there in front of our own eyes! The doctrine is lived, not simply known. Reality acquires a deeper quality as it approaches the ideal, as it approximates what ought to be as revealed to us by our faith.
This is truly a grace from God. We just cannot attribute all this to a favorable character and temperament that we seem to have as a people. That´s what some people say. I believe there is much more. God is blessing us with a special grace for which we have to be thankful and which we have to make use of.
Perhaps, Cebu has to play a special role in keeping the Christian life of our country healthy, vibrant and fruitful. After all, Christianity entered our archipelago and put down its roots first in this island. That historical fact cannot simply be a matter of chance. Nothing happens by chance in the providence of God.
It should make us ponder about what God wants from us after giving us such a wonderul gift. We have to think along the lines of the parable of the talents to make us more aware of the responsibilities we need to carry out in God´s name. For to those given much, much also is expected.
May we learn to correspond fully to this grace!
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