Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma (Screengrab from Archdiocese of Cebu Facebook video)
MANILA – Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma on Tuesday denied that he has blessed naked Santo Niño figurines being shown in commercial videos on social media and are sold as lucky charms.
In a video posted on the archdiocese's Facebook page, Palma said only one image of Santo Niño is supported by the archdiocese -- the one enshrined in the Basilica Minore del Sto. Nino from Cebu.
"I did not bless any naked Snr. Sto. Niño, what he said is not true (in the video promotion)," he added, referring to a video of a "self-proclaimed priest" who claimed that the charms were blessed by him.
Palma added that sacred images of the church help develop faith and relationship with the Lord and are not for good fortune.
At the same time, devotees are reminded that the “Basilica Minore del Sto. Nino de Cebu or https://www.facebook.com/BMSNCebu" is the only official Facebook page of the shrine.
"Any other Facebook pages bearing the name of the Basilica are not in any way connected to the institution. We would like to remind all the faithful to be mindful and careful of these pseudo accounts," it added.
It reiterated that they do not promote the image with vestments that purportedly bring good fortune.
“Moreover, the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu does not promote the Santo Niño de Cebu with green vestment that brings "paswerte" or "lucky charms,” the Basilica said. (PNA)
