Cebu Archbishop tells Sto. Niño devotees: Make room for God

CEBU CITY–More than the dances and other forms of revelries, Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma called on devotees of the Sto. Niño to renew themselves and to make room for God in their lives at all times.

 
Speaking before thousands of people who attended the 6 a.m. pontifical Mass in celebration of the feast of the child Jesus at the Basilica del Sto. Niño’s pilgrim center on Sunday, Palma said the little King longs to find a place in everyone’s heart.

 
“The original image of the Sto. Niño given by (Portuguese explorer Ferdinand) Magellan to Cebu’s Queen Juana did not have a base. The case you now see is just an addition,” the prelate said.

 
“Just like a child, He doesn’t want to be left standing all the time. He wants to be carried close to our heart,” he added.

 
Palma said that when the Blessed Virgin Mary was about to give birth to Jesus, she and St. Joseph couldn’t find a decent room to stay since the inns were full.

 
“It was in a manger where our Lord was born because no one accepted Him in the inns. Now as you look at the image of the Sto. Niño, let us tell Him ‘Yes Lord, you are there in the altar but deep in my heart, I carry you,’” he said.

 
In the Sto. Niño, Palma said everyone finds a family. While joining the fluvial procession of the Sto. Niño on Sunday, the archbishop said he noticed the different faces of faith from people who joined in the fluvial procession as well as in other religious activities.

 
“There were people whose faces were happy to see the Sto. Niño. Some were asking for grace. And I’m sure many of us today are here to ask favors from Him,” he said.

 
During the offertory, people sang “Bato-Balani sa Gugma (Magnet of love),” an ancient Cebuano hymn in honor of the Sto. Niño.

 
Devotees waved their hands on the air in unison while several balloons with prayer petitions were released.

 
With just a week before the start of the International Eucharistic Congress (ICE) in Cebu City, Palma urged the faithful to see the connection between the Sto. Niño and the Eucharist.

 
“The Sto. Niño did not remain a child. He grew up, and as a sign of His love for us, He offered Himself on the cross. He is present with us in His body and blood,” he said.

 
At least 12,000 delegates from 71 countries are expected to come to Cebu City for the weeklong IEC which will begin next Sunday, Jan. 24.