Ateneo grade school celebrates Sinulog fest

With the loud beat of the drums and colorful attire, the Ateneo de Davao Grade School Community celebrated the Sinulog Festival in honor of the Child Jesus last January 20. It has been a tradition of the school to celebrate the said feast as a thanksgiving for the seed of Christianity in the country.

The celebration started with the Mass presided over by Fr. Manny Perez and Fr. Tony Basillio, both from the Society of Jesus. In the homily, the presider reminded everyone that each must have the virtue of humility and simplicity like what the Holy Child Jesus possesses. He added that “even adults can learn much from the Sto. Nino, who teaches us that only God can enrich us.”

After the mass, the Martinez Sports Complex was filled with joy as the pupils, parents, administrators, faculty and staff gladly danced to the beat of the drums carrying the image/statue as they expressed their prayers in dancing.

Various prayers and petitions were expressed during the Sinulog. Many parents who participated prayed for good health, prosperity and happy relationship in the families. Students also prayed for good grades and blessings for their loved ones. It has become an occasion to seek the grace from the Holy Child Jesus to bring us good life, good health, for the coming year. Right after the mass, there was a traditional procession of the image of the Sto. Niño from the Sports Complex to St. Stanislaus Kostka’s Chapel (Grade School Chapel) where the blessing of the children and images took place.

The Sinulog as celebrated in the Ateneo way gave the entire community the chance to come together to celebrate and pray joyfully to the Sto. Niño. (Photos|Text: Flor Arellano-Deloria)