Preparations for 462nd Fiesta Señor in full swing

Local

AS CEBU prepares for another major religious gathering in January, the Augustinian friars of the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu are racing against the calendar and the anticipated El Niño to ensure the 462nd Fiesta Señor proceeds safely.

The friars announced on Nov. 12 that preparations for the annual religious celebration were almost complete, 57 days before its official opening on Jan. 7, 2027.

This year's celebration carries the theme “Santo Niño: Shepherd of Humanity.” The theme is also translated into Filipino as “Santo Niño: Pastol ng Sangkatauhan” and into Cebuano as “Santo Niño: Magbalantay sa Katawhan.”

Basilica rector Rev. Fr. Andres Rivera Jr., OSA, said they were almost ready despite the anticipated El Niño, which could bring extreme heat during the festivities.

“We are delighted to announce to you that we are almost 100% ready, notwithstanding the imminent threat of the other Niño, the El Niño. And we always believe that our Bato Balani sa Gugma, ang Balaang Bata sa Sugbo, or ang Sto. Niño de Cebu, will ever protect us, especially if we heed and follow his inspiration and directions,” Rivera said.

The pre-fiesta activities will begin with the visitation of the pilgrim images of the Señor Santo Niño de Cebu from Jan. 3 to 6.

Four images, instead of the usual two, will be deployed to accommodate the growing number of institutions requesting visits.

Fr. Jules Van Almerez said the images would visit communities, hospitals and correctional facilities in Cebu City, Talisay, Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu.

The opening salvo on Jan. 7 will begin with the Penitential Walk with Jesus at 4 a.m. from Fuente Osmeña Circle to the Basilica, followed by a 5 a.m. Mass and a short traditional Sinulog presentation.

Novena Masses will be held daily at the Pilgrim Center from Jan. 7 to 16, with 11 Masses scheduled each day.

The Walk with Mary will take place at 4 a.m. on Jan. 14.

After the activity, the pilgrim image will stay overnight at the National Shrine of St. Joseph in Mandaue City.

On Jan. 15, the image will travel to the National Shrine of Nuestra Señora de Regla in Lapu-Lapu City for a second overnight stay. Traslaciones will also take place on Jan. 14 and 15.

The Vísperas activities on Jan. 16 will include the Fluvial Procession, commemorations of the First Mass, Baptism and Wedding, and the Solemn Foot Procession.

The Fluvial Procession will start at 6 a.m. from Naval Forces Central, with organizers expecting the procession to reach Pier 1 by 8 a.m. The image will then proceed to the Basilica.

The Solemn Foot Procession will begin at 1 p.m. from the Basilica, passing through Osmeña Boulevard, Fuente Osmeña Circle, General Maxilom Avenue, Imus Avenue and M.J. Cuenco Avenue before returning to the Basilica.

The main fiesta will be celebrated on Jan. 17, beginning with the Mañanita Mass at 4 a.m. and the Pontifical Mass at 6 a.m.

The celebration will continue with Adlaw sa Pasalamat on Jan. 18 and conclude with Adlaw sa Hubo on Jan. 22. With the expected heat, Almerez advised devotees, particularly those with existing health conditions, to attend Masses during the early morning or late afternoon and evening.

The friars said they would proceed with the announced schedules for now, as interagency meetings with disaster risk reduction and management offices had not recommended adjustments.

However, they may consider changes if temperatures become unbearable in January.

Rivera said the Metropolitan Cebu Water District had committed to setting up drinking water stations at the Basilica.

The church is also considering installing misting equipment to help devotees cope with the heat.

The Pilgrim Center can accommodate up to 5,000 people, and attendance will be limited to that capacity.

Devotees are encouraged to bring water and handheld fans, use sun protection, stay hydrated and rest in shaded areas. Those who feel dizzy or unwell should seek medical assistance.

The public is also discouraged from bringing large bags.

For the Fluvial Procession, the organizers said the First Mactan Bridge, also known as the Sergio Osmeña Jr. Bridge, will be closed to pedestrians.

The Marcelo Fernan Bridge will remain open to vehicles but will also be closed to pedestrians. People will not be allowed to stop, park or watch the procession from either bridge.

ALD Sea Transport will sponsor the galleon for the Fluvial Procession. Its owner, Antero Lato Doyon, said he was happy to be part of the religious celebration.

The organizers also introduced the Fiesta Señor 2027 hermano and hermana mayores, Michael Eric Go and his wife, Gayle Christine Go.

Michael, a grandson of businessman Don Sulpicio Go, said his family's devotion to the Santo Niño deepened through the challenges they faced in business, particularly in 2010 when their company encountered difficulties.

He said the family prayed regularly and reflected on the sacrifices they needed to make, adding that surrendering completely to God was an important part of their spiritual journey.

“These challenges purify us from our thoughts, our actions, and make us examples to others. But the complete surrender is what was missing,” he added.

Fr. Albert Benedict B. Soliman, OSA, explained that the image of the shepherd in this year's theme represents God's providential care for humanity.

He said a shepherd knows, welcomes, leads, protects, heals and restores the flock, reflecting the role of the Santo Niño in the lives of the faithful.(MyTVCebu)