Virtual Novena Masses for Fiesta Señor in January

CEBU, Philippines —  To prevent a possible superspreader event amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Augustinian priests have decided not to hold physical Novena Masses during the Fiesta Señor in January next year.

Cebu City Councilor Philip Zafra said the management of Basilica Minore del Santo Niño decided to hold virtual Novena Masses instead. Zafra said that Novena Masses will be streamed online where devotees of the holy child can attend from the comfort of their homes.

According to Zafra, the decision was reached during a meeting with the officials of Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, Cebu City Police Office, Prevention, Restoration, Order, Beautification and Enhancement (PROBE) team head Raquel Arce, and Barangay Santo Niño Captain Lourdes Lulu Ramirez.

"Magpa-pressscon ra ang mga pari alang sa lapad nga pagpasabot sa maong desisyon," Zafra said.

A motorcade of the miraculous image of the child Jesus will be conducted but no foot procession will be allowed. Zafra said the route of the motorcade is yet to be finalized.

"Seguro atong malikayan ang nahitabo sa last fiesta niadtong January nga dunay kalit nga changes nga gikan sa physical Novena Masses, pag-abot sa ikalima nga adlaw nausab ngadto sa virtual mass. Sa karon, sayo ta ni-decide, pero mao lage na, ato usab nga obserbaran ang dagan sa panahon. Ang labing importante nga sayo ta nangandam," Zafra explained.

According to Zafra, the Basilica will be open for the fiesta celebration except that no physical masses. Devotees can visit the Basilica to light candles and pay homage to the miraculous image.

 "Plano sa kaparian nga ang dagkotanan temporaryo nga ibutang sa pilgrim center aron mas dako ang space ug mamintinar ang physical distancing. Puwede ra sila modagkot ug mobisita sa image sa Sto. Niño pero dili sila katambong sa physical nga misa," Zafra said.

Last year, physical Novena Masses were initially allowed but were cancelled after four days because of health protocol violations. Physical distancing could not be enforced due to the volume of devotees coming to attend the Novena Masses.

The Fiesta Señor is celebrated every third Sunday of January in honor of the Santo Niño. — FPL (FREEMAN)