Sinulog: Celebration of God’s gift
This crowd, which is part of the two million who witnessed the Sinulog Grand Parade, breached the security cordon and invaded the space that is supposed to be intended for the dancing contingents. Joy Torrejos
CEBU, Philippines — The papal ambassador to the Philippines attributed the people’s heartwarming smiles and festive spirits as they celebrated Sinulog yesterday, to the Holy Child that is widely venerated as Sto. Niño.
Italian Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, apostolic nuncio to the Philippines, said that through Christ’s child form, people are not scared to worship Him.
“God decided to present himself as a child not to scare us but to give happiness, inspiration, serenity, (and) harmony in our lives… the Lord wants to be with us as a child,” he said.
He said yesterday’s Sinulog was a great experience and a good reason to celebrate the God’s gift.
“We have a great experience today and I see all the city is dancing, is smiling, is in joy but somebody asked, why? (Because) a child has been given to us,” said Caccia.
In the city where Christianity is believed to have started, he pondered why God decided to manifest Himself as a child.
“He (Jesus) is most powerful... he is strong but he appeared as a child. Imagine (someone) comes like a big man and maybe with some weapons also, everyone gets scared but if there is a child, everyone is happy (and) is making feast because a child doesn't scare anybody. A child gives joy,” he explained.
“We are happy because the child has been given to us… Filipinos are much known everywhere as someone always smiling. So when people ask why are you smiling? (It is) because God loves you,” he added.
He said this Filipino faith is a “great gift” that one should spread to the other islands because some do not feel the same joy because they are unaware that “God is a loving God (and) He is someone who cares for us.”
Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma also the same reflection in his homily during the Fiesta Señor Mass yesterday morning.
“To be like a child to God means to trust to the Father… When he is with us, we can be safe. And when he is in us, we feel the consolation and the strength of our faith with the presence of God,” said Caccia.
Palma also urged the Catholic faithful to manifest their faith and nurture it by caring to people living on the streets. The prelate said it is the best expression of one’s faith.--/FPL
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