MANILA (Agencies): The Archdiocese of Cebu, the central Philippines, kicked off Santo Niño (Child Jesus) festivities on January 8 while following strict Covid-19 coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic protocols, UCAN reported on January 8.
However, on January 11, concerned at the thousands of devotees flocking in over the previous four days for the novena Masses despite the threat of Covid-19, the Santo Niño Basilica suspended all public Masses from January 12 until the feast of Santo Niño on January 17, CBCP News reported.
In a statement, Augustinian Father Pacifico Nohara Jr., the prior and rector of the centuries-old basilica, said, “The situation has called us to rise above the situation and to choose this course of action for the common good and benefit of all.”
Protecting the health and well-being of the people is a matter of “Christian morals,” CBCP News reported him as saying.
“We ask for your great understanding and hoping that, with our hearts and minds attuned to God’s mercy to deliver us from the scourge of the pandemic, we can celebrate the entirety of the Fiesta Señor in God’s perfect time,” Father Nohara said.
He invited devotees to join in the remaining novena Masses and the feast day through the church’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.
The Philippines’ oldest festival, the feast of Santo Niño normally attracts millions of devotees each year and culminates on the third Sunday of January, but the Covid-19 pandemic has cast a pall over this year’s event.
The Archdiocese of Cebu had insisted on certain requirements being observed before people were allowed to enter church premises to participate in activities and also called on devotees to also follow activities online, UCAN reported.
“To all pilgrims and devotees, please be reminded to obey and follow our safety and health protocols … in this time of pandemic,” the archdiocese had announced on social media.
As we celebrate the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines. The Chaplaincy to Filipino Migrants organises an on-line talk every Tuesday at 9.00pm. You can join us at:
https://www.Facebook.com/CFM-Gifted-to-give-101039001847033
People had to present a quarantine pass issued by local health centres as proof they were free from Covid-19 and to observe social distancing protocols. Those without a pass were denied entry.
The first Mass, kicking off the festival, was held at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral on January 8, but the traditional touching of an image of the Child Jesus was prohibited.
The Santo Niño was a gift from Portuguese explorer, Ferdinand Magellan, to the wife of a local chieftain when he landed on nearby Mactan Island in 1521. It is considered the oldest Spanish relic in the Philippines and draws millions to Cebu each year.
