Bato Balani balloons

There is probably no part of any novena or Mass celebrated in honor of the Sto. Niño that is more moving and emotionally charged than during the singing of the “Bato Balani sa Gugma.” As devotees sing this song, they at the same time wave their hands in time with the tune.

All of us who believe in the Sto. Niño certainly have a lot to thank Him for --favors granted, opportunities provided, second chances extended. But always outnumbering the grateful thank yous are the endless entreaties and pleadings for more graces and blessings.

And it is during the singing of the “Bato Balani sa Gugma” that we unburden ourselves to the Sto. Niño more intensely and in complete surrender. It is not uncommon to see people moved into tears while singing, finding release in song and weeping, like children before one of their own.

As I said in a previous article, it was only this year that I have had the resolve and the change of heart to come back to a part of my life I had left so long ago. This Pista Senyor was my first in many many years although from time to time I do get to visit and hear regular non-fiesta Masses.

Having missed so many fiesta Masses, I presume last Sunday's 6 a.m. Pontifical Mass celebrated by Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma was no different from previous ones in at least one respect --that during the Gozos, or singing of the “Bato Balani sa Gugma,” devotees would release balloons for whatever reason it may be that they are releasing them.

Maybe they are releasing the balloons as an act of gratitude. Maybe it is an act of prayer or pleading. But whatever it is, it is wrong, very very wrong. God hears all prayers, wherever and whenever they are said. The same with acts of gratitude. One does not have to attract an All-Knowing, Omnipresent God with balloons, especially when they harm God's environment.

In the course of this year's nine novena-masses as well as during the Pontifical Mass itself, there had been various references to papal statements and utterances on a variety of issues. But there seemed to be no mention of Pope Francis' frequent pitches for the environment.

Or if there had been, it would appear that everybody forgot when the balloons in their scores and perhaps in their hundreds started flying, seemingly on their way to heaven but not really. Because as they fly higher, atmospheric pressure will eventually burst them, their limp and shapeless rubber and string debris falling back to reality to pollute the earth.