‘Care for the voiceless, the powerless, poor’

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma (third from left) stands with clergy members and the winner and two-runners up of the anniversary logo design contest for the upcoming Sto. Niño Festival in 2015. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/Sammy Navaja)

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma urged the faithful to be humble and care for the “voiceless, the powerless, and the penniless.”

In a 6 a.m. mass on the feast day of the Sto. Niño, Palma reinforced the call of Pope Francis to serve those who have less in life.

“Let us remember our farmers, fisherfolk, the sick those in prison, the sidewalk vendors, the homeless among others. We must do something for them,” said the prelate.

The Cebu Archdiocese also launched preparations for the year-long Sto. Niño Festival in 2015.

Three key events will be celebrated next year.

Palma led the launching of the 450th anniversary of the discovery of the Sto. Niño image in Cebu and the presence of the Augustinians in the Philippines.

Next year also marks the 50th anniversary of the elevation of the Sto. Niño Church as a ‘Basilica Minore.’

Before thousands of devotees at the Pilgrim Center, two banners were unveiled showing the logos of the triple celebrations. The logo features the Sto. Niño and Spanish soldier Juan Camus who found the image in a pine box amidst ruins of a burnt house on April 28, 1565.

The design made by Cebuano artist Ramesh Rosillo also shows a large cross folded four and a half times to signify the centuries since Christianity was introduced in the Philippines, and a sun with 50 rays.

Rosillo bested 153 other entries in a logo design contest. The Basilica Grand Choir sang the event’s theme song “Gift of Faith in Santo Niño,” composed by Fr. Jonas Mejares, OSA, the rector.

Joining Palma were Archbishop Albert LeGatt of St. Boniface in Canada; former Cebu Auxiliary Bishop Antonio Rañola; prior rovincial Fr. Eusebio Berdon, OSA; Fr. Mejares, and about 60 diocesan and religious priests.

“As the Pope said, we are called to find Christ in them. We have to listen to them; we have to speak for them,” the 63-year-old prelate said, referring to the poor and powerless.

He reminded people not to boast of one’s achievements or position because these are temporary. Follow the example of the infant Jesus and remain humble, he said.

“Even if I am an archbishop or the politicians, businessmen and popular professionals, before God’s eyes we are small. We need God and one another. Remember, we may be here today but gone tomorrow.”

The Fiesta Señor 2014 ends on Friday this week, Jan. 24, with the traditional hubo or the changing of the vestments of the Sto. Niño.