“Hubo” ritual also calls faithful to rid of sinfulness

CEBU, Philippines — The leader of the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, the community serving as custodians of the highly-revered image, emphasized the relevant message behind the "hubo" ritual which re-enacts the removing of the special vestments of the relic and dressing it up again with its ordinary garments.

Father Pacifico Nohara, Jr. of the Order of Saint Augustine (O.S.A.), minor basilica rector, said in his homily yesterday dawn that this act in its spiritual sense calls on Catholics to take off one's sinfulness that taints the human soul.

"The Hubo is not merely a ceremony of divesting the image of his special fiesta vestments. Rather, it also reminds us to strip ourselves of the robes of sin especially pride, self-centeredness, hatred, corruption, and indifference," said Nohara, who presided over the traditional “Hubo” Mass at 4 a.m. on Friday.

By doing so, one takes the same ordinary form of Christ - emulating his child-like virtues of humility and simplicity, the Augustinian fathers had earlier implied.

Nohara said following this submissive act of Jesus is a way to "renewal, conversion and spiritual transformation. The idea characterizes the Santo Niño whose image depicts the Holy Child Jesus as the "inspiration of renewed disciples for new evangelization."

Nohara hoped that by attaining a renewed spirit after the weeklong celebration of deepening one's faith and devotion, Catholics will be reminded of the mission Jesus has tasked them, which is to propagate the Christian faith.

He feared that in some instances, people only keep this celebration on the feast itself and returns to their old ways afterwards.

“Usually, after the feast ends, we also stop (with our good works.) We then forget of the Gospel teachings that we should live by,” he lamented.

Thus, he challenged the devotees being inspired by the Santo Niño to remain steadfast in the mission of evangelizing people by manifesting it even in simple deeds like comforting a friend or saying good words towards a co-worker.

Nohara encouraged them to constantly offer prayers for them to follow the path towards “genuine” renewal.

The concluding event yesterday dawn continued to attract a huge crowd at the Pilgrim Center and the open grounds inside the minor basilica in downtown Cebu City.

The “Hubo” rite traditionally takes place five days after the Fiesta Señor, or the annual celebration honoring the Santo Niño observed every third Sunday of January.

This post-feast ritual marks the end of the weeklong celebration of various religious and liturgical activities that aim to strengthen the spirituality among devotees drawing them closer to the church. (FREEMAN)