Santo Cristo de Limpia blessing at the Basilica

CEBU, Philippines — The Santo Cristo de Limpia image in the Basilica, made of hardwood was sought and imported from Spain by Don Juan Rivera and Doña Andrea-Rivera, maternal grandparents of The Freeman Chairman, Jose R. Gullas. It has been transferred to different areas around the church and currently, it can be visited on the right wing facing the altar. Over the years, an annual “Triduum” for the feast of the Santo Cristo de Limpia has been celebrated every September.

The Santo Cristo de Limpia originated from a small village called Limpias in Covadonga in Asturias, Spain. The name “Limpia” comes from the thermal waters known as the Waters of Limpias. The village is small, about 1,200 residents, and it is here where the Church of St. Peter was built.

Dr. Gullas and wife Nena has over the years, ensured that the image is well maintained and its annual feast celebrated. Early this year, the couple had the area where the image is placed renovated.

The faithful are invited to a 4:00 o’clock mass on Wednesday, October 9, 2019 to celebrate for its blessing. The image depicts Christ in agony looking towards the heavens. It is said that depending on what angle you look from, the expression of Jesus as depicted in the image is not only of pain, but also of prayer and contemplation. (FREEMAN)