FIESTA MODE:
The icon of the Sto. Niño was brought to the Cebu City Medical Center and will be making the rounds of more Cebu City hospitals in the coming days
A family visits the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño de Cebu, which is now in fiesta mode. The preliminary activities of the 454th Fiesta Señor began on Friday, Jan. 4, with the visit of the pilgrim image of the Sto. Niño to the Cebu City Medical Center.
Estrella Guizona felt the urge to touch and kiss the icon of the Holy Child, which was brought to the Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC) on Friday, Jan. 4.
The 44-year-old mother of four, however, was confined to a hospital bed by a mild stroke that she suffered 11 days ago.
“Di pa ko kalihok pagayo tungod sa akong sakit nga naay blood clot akong ulo. Galuha na lang ko nagtan-aw sa imahe ni (I cannot move well because of my illness, a blood clot in my head. Tears welled up in my eyes as I stared at the image of ) Señor. Sto Niño,” she said.
She would have wanted to touch the icon, but the nurse told her she could not because she was too weak. Instead, she prayed to the Sto. Niño to heal her and ease the pain she was going through.
The relatives of other patients said the religious icon’s arrival at the CCMC reminded them to keep their faith and continue hoping for their healing from their illnesses.
Annie Empas, a native of Toledo City, said she prayed for a miracle for her mother, who has a lung illness.
“I am happy with the visit because it feels like a blessing to those who are sick. They can pray to be healed and hope the Holy Child can bring a miracle,” she said. Fifty-year-old Maria Caningles is hopeful that her faith in the Holy Child will cure her pneumonia.
“I hope He helps me have a longer life and with my daily needs, especially that I still have children in school,” she said. She trusts the Holy Child will hear her prayers and take pity on her.
At past 1 p.m., the religious icon was brought to the CCMC by Fr. Pacifico Nohara Jr., the rector of the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño, and Cebu City Councilor Dave Tumulak, the Sinulog Foundation Inc. executive committee chairman.
CCMC employees danced in the rain and a band played a tune to welcome the Holy Child.
The image was later placed in the chapel at the back of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) 7, where Nohara officiated a mass.
Nohara said this is the second time the Sto. Niño was brought to the CCMC to visit the patients.
He praised the hospital staff, saying they were prepared to receive the Sto. Niño, even if it was raining.
After the mass, the icon was carried to each of the CCMC’s departments.
At 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 5, the Holy Child’s image will be transferred to the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center on B. Rodriguez St., Cebu City, where it will stay for one night. The image will also be brought to private hospitals in the city. /
I am happy with the visit because it feels like a blessing to those who are sick. ANNIE EMPAS, WHOSE MOTHER IS CONFINED AT THE CCMC