In a show of faith and reverence to the Holy Child Jesus, an
estimated 1.8 million devotees of the Señor Sto. Niño in Cebu braved
threats of a brewing storm to join the annual solemn foot procession of
the miraculous image last Saturday afternoon.
“The activity proceeded smoothly, peacefully and orderly. It was very
solemn,” said Senior Superintendent Conrad Capa, deputy regional
director for operations and officer-in-charge of the Cebu City Police
Office.
Capa said, though, that three people were arrested, including an
American citizen for interrupting the religious gathering. Michael
Bradley, 46, of Florida, USA and his wife Elcel Bradley,28, from
Palawan with Rebecca Muñoz, 29 were arrested for trying to disturb the
devotees at the procession route by their use of a megaphone.
The three were arrested for violating Article 132 and 133 of the Revised Penal Code in relation to offending religious feelings.
Fuente Police chief, Chief Inspector Wildemar Tiu said Bradley
resisted arrest by invoking his freedom of religion and freedom of
speech.
“Except for this minor incident, the procession proceeded, and turned out to be a successful event,” said Tiu.
The 6.1-kilometer foot procession ended earlier than expected.
According to Chief Inspector Enrique Belciña, the head of the
procession reached the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño at 3:20 p.m. while
the carroza carrying the image of the Holy Child entered the pilgrim
center at 5 p.m., in time for the Pontifical Mass celebrated by
Archbishop of Sorsogon, Msgr. Arturo Bastes.
In his homily, Bastes traced the beginnings of the arrival and
discovery of the image of the Holy Child stressing on the significance
of Cebu as the “Cradle of Christianity in Asia.”
“This is a great blessing for the Filipinos. We are all chosen by
Jesus to become his disciples. Therefore, I urged the faithful to
continue practicing the values of the Holy Child,” said Bastes.
Meanwhile, yesterday’s Sinulog Grand Parade was blessed with very
fair weather with only light showers, giving more chance for spectators
to witness the over 100 Sinulog contingents dance their way around the
carousel route.
