Thousands of devotees woke up early morning to join the annual Walk with Jesus. The procession marks the first of the many religious activities for the feast of the Child Jesus. (CDN PHOTO/ JUNJIE MENDOZA)
Thousands of devotees joined the annual Walk with Jesus from Fuente Osmeña Circle to the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño, lighting up the cloudy Thursday morning with candles.
Young and old devotees carried with them an icon of the Child Jesus. Most of them recited the holy rosary as they walked towards the Basilica where the first novena Mass for the feast of Sto. Niño was held.
As soon as the image arrived, the church bells ring and cheers and applause rang across the church.
Fr. Jonas Mejares, rector of the basilica presided over the Mass and called on the people to pray not just for themselves but for others as well.
Sto. Nino devotees wave their icons of Sto. Nino as the gozos ‘Bato Balani sa Gugma’ is played. (CDN PHOTO/ JUNJIE MENDOZA)
The basilica’s Pilgrim center was already filled with devotees even before the procession of pilgrims arrived. Today marks the start of the series of religious activities for the Fiesta Señor.
After the Mass, the Hermano and Hermana Mayores were installed. For nine straight days, 11 novena Masses will be offered at the Basilica before the Grand Fiesta on Sunday, January 18.