OPENING SALVO. The sacred image of the Sr. Sto. Niño enters the century-old Basilica in Cebu City after the penitential Walk with Jesus on Thursday dawn (Jan. 11, 2024), to mark the beginning of the 459th Fiesta Señor. Fr. Nelson Zerda, Augustinian friar and rector of the Basilica, cited the Cebuanos and visitors for their faithful devotion to the Sr. Sto. Niño during the first day of the nine-day Novena Masses leading to the fiesta Sunday on Jan. 11, 2023. (Photo courtesy of Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño de Cebu)
CEBU CITY – A sea of devotees flocked the uptown area here on Thursday dawn to join the annual Penitential Walk with Jesus, marking the opening of the 459th celebration of Fiesta Señor.
Religious and government leaders and devotees from various sectors converged at this capital city’s historical landmark on Fuente Osmeña Rotunda before 4 a.m. to join the procession leading to the century-old Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño de Cebu.
The miraculous image of the Sr. Sto. Niño arrived at the Basilica before 5 a.m. Holy Mass, indicating the start of the nine-day Novena leading to the fiesta on Sunday, Jan. 21.
“The beautiful scenery, akin to siblings standing tall, captivates the gaze as we walk a significant journey alongside people walking together,” Augustinian friar and Basilica rector Fr. Nelson Zerda said in Cebuano, as he cited the devotees in his homily for their devotion.
He said locals and visitors set their sights on Cebu every January because of the age-old annual fiesta.
“Here in Cebu, all roads lead to the Basilica, all roads to the Sto. Niño. This is due to the grand celebration and festivities in honor of the Holy Child Jesus,” the rector said.
Col. Ireneo Dalogdog, Cebu City police chief, said there was no untoward incident occurred during the religious activity, citing the well-planned security preparations set by the enforcement unit.
Mayor Michael Rama was among the local officials who joined the procession. (PNA)
