Sto. Niño feast: shedding light to darkness

The Golden Jubilee of Shrine of the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague Foundation is being celebrated with so much love with people not only in Davao City, but also by other places in Mindanao.

“Ang fiesta dinhi sa Shrine naa na sa hearts of many of our people dinhi sa Davao, ug sa other places ug other Dioceses, Archdiocese dinhi sa island of Mindanao.” “Since then, 50 years already nagpadayon ang pagpadayag sa buhi nga pagtou dinhi niini maong Shrine.” “Kanang gi-ingun nakong nagpadayon sa buhing pagtuo, kamo. Year after year nia gyud mo,” said Abp. Valles.

The Archbishop emphasized that it’s not about the Sto. Niño figure but it’s about the faith and devotion of the people. As he said, the St. Niño statue situated in Shrine Hills of the Holy Infant Jesus and that of Cebu has the same source of faith.

“Ang importante mao na, the same devotion nga natawo sa sulod sa kasing-kasing sa simbahan nga muila sa mystery… sa misteryo sa gahum sa Dios, ug sa desire sa Dios nga mahidoul sa tawo.”

“Ang debosyon sa Sto. Niño mao ang response nato sa nakita sa katawhan nga matuohon nga dakong tinguha sa Dios nga makigsandurot nato.” “The same atong Faith in God, faith in Jesus.”

He added that Feast of Sto. Niño is a continued celebration of Christmas Season. That, it is also an emblem of the Child Jesus Who is the son of God, who became one of us.

“Ang fiesta sa Sto. Niño is a Christmas feast outside Christmas.” “Muingon si Prophet Isaiah, Usa ka kahayag misidlak sa katawhan nga anaa sa kangitngit.”

He said that many of us haven’t noticed that sometimes we are already in the midst of darkness. And we are reminded that it is only Jesus who will take us away from that.

“Di ta makabantay sa fundamental nga kangitngit sa kinabuhi.” “Only si Hesus, mao ang kahayag.”

He cited that there are instances that we no longer believe in our faith. Most of us, consider being wise and already take our faith for granted.

“Our faith will always be the fragile child nga gasa sa Dios.”

He sees and still hope that the love for the Shrine will continuously be passed on the next generation. He is glad that even now as the digital generation arises, we are celebrating altogether as he witnessed the flock of people.

“Matud pa sa ebanghelyo sama kita sa mga bata, sama sa mga alang sa bata mao ang gingharian sa Dios.

“Nindot ang pagtuo kung kita sama sa isa ka child that will eventually hold on to faith in the hand of the Lord.”

He said that the Sto. Niño is an image that should live within us. And also we became obedient to the will of God.

“Ang Dios muuban ka nato. Ang Dios nagapuyo kanato, ang batang Dios, ang Niño Jesus

As we take our different paces, he calls to remain faithful and hold on to the Lord. So, at least at difficult times the Lord will be with us and that will somehow ease our challenging situations.

“Sama kita sa mga bata nga ingun sa ebanghelyo karon nga kanunay gibantayan ug gimahal sa atong makagagahum nga Dios.”

He instilled in us that we ourselves can testify that our faith had deepened and strengthened us . We are like child that is Loved by the Lord. Thus, we walk with Him, always. (Rochelle Rusiana – HCDC intern)