Sto. Niño off to hospitals

CEBU, Philippines — Starting today, the pilgrim image of Santo Niño de Cebu will visit two government-run hospitals in Cebu City – a first since the replica began its journey to different places around the globe.

The Augustinian friars of the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu, the custodians of the “miraculous” image, decided for the wooden image to go on a pilgrimage from Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center to Cebu City Medical Center.

The Augustinian community yesterday said the scheduled religious activity is in line with the feast of the Child Jesus, Santo Niño, in January next year.

From December 17 to 19, the pilgrim image will stay at VSMMC on B. Rodriguez Street, and will then be transferred to CCMC on N. Bacalso Avenue for an overnight vigil until December 21.

Father Ric Anthony Reyes of the Order of St. Augustine (OSA), also Fiesta Señor 2018 secretary, confirmed to The FREEMAN yesterday that the plan has pushed through with the approval of the Basilica’s rector, Father Pacifico Nohara Jr.

As part of pastoral care, too, Father Reyes said the Augustinian community seeks to be active in its aim to bring the Santo Niño image to all of the devotees wherever they may be and whenever it is possible.

The pilgrim image is also set to visit the Cebu City Jail and the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center on January 9 to 10, 2018.

It has been a tradition for the Santo Niño image to visit prisoners.

“Aside from correctional facilities here in Cebu area, hospitals are also one of these places we refer about… The propagation of devotion (to the Santo Niño) does not stop only for those who are able to come to the Basilica. Our aim is to reach out to those who cannot come because of physical inabilities,” said Father Reyes.

More than anything else, he said, the visit of the pilgrim image will also become an opportunity for the sickly to reaffirm their faith and devotion to the Santo Niño.  (FREEMAN)