1 month ago
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AT least 300,000 Catholic devotees illuminated dark streets of Cebu City with candles and prayers as they participated in the Walk with Mary at 3 a.m. on Friday.
The penitential procession marked the ninth day of the novena masses leading to the Feast of the Santo Niño and ended at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu. The turnout highlighted the deep-rooted devotion of Filipinos, particularly Cebuanos, to the Holy Child.
The faithful's prayers and hymns resonated as they carried candles, lighting the way through the city's thoroughfares. At around 5 a.m., the procession culminated with a Traslacion Mass presided over by diocesan priest Fr. Eligio Suico at the Basilica's Pilgrim Center.
FAITHFUL Cebuano devotees light their candles as they join the penitential Walk With Mary at 3 a.m. on Jan. 17, 2024, to venerate the images of the Santo Niño de Cebu and Our Lady of Guadalupe. PHOTO BY KAISER JAN FUENTES
Fr. Suico reminded devotees of the 460-year legacy of faith passed down through generations. He urged the faithful to treasure the stories of hope and mercy shared by their ancestors, affirming that the Santo Niño continues to accompany them on their life's journey.
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Jamie Naadat, a 25-year-old business process outsourcing (BPO) employee, told The Manila Times that despite working a graveyard shift, she went straight to the downtown area to catch the foot procession after clocking out.
She shared that it has always been a family tradition, now passed on to her, and added that seeing the image of the Holy Child gives her the strength to face everyday challenges.
Traslacion of the Holy Family
After the Mass, the Traslacion procession began with the images of the Santo Niño and Mother Mary being transferred from the Basilica to Mandaue City's National Shrine of Saint Joseph, a reenactment of the convergence of the Holy Family.
Devotees lined the route, holding their own Santo Niño images in reverent solidarity, transforming the streets into a sea of faith and devotion.
From Mandaue, the image continued to Lapu-Lapu City, where it stayed overnight at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Rule before its journey by sea during Saturday's fluvial procession.
LtCol. Maria Theresa Macatangay, deputy city director for operations of the Cebu City Police Office, said the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office estimated that 300,000 devotees joined the early morning religious activities.
The event, which drew a larger number than the 160,000 devotees who participated in the Walk with Jesus last week, unfolded peacefully.
Over 1,400 police officers, supported by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine Coast Guard, and the Bureau of Fire Protection, ensured the safety of the participants.
Bigger weekend events
With an even larger crowd anticipated for Saturday's fluvial parade and solemn foot procession and Sunday's Sinulog Grand Parade at the Cebu City Sports Center, law enforcement agencies are heightening their security measures. Authorities plan to deploy additional personnel to manage the swelling number of participants.
Macatangay stated that they anticipate a significant increase in participants in the upcoming large events. She noted that the event covers almost the same route as the Grand Sinulog and assured that they are fully prepared to manage the swelling crowd.
Organizers urged devotees to follow safety guidelines and cooperate with authorities to ensure the orderly flow of activities.
