The overcast skies did not dampen the attendance of the opening salvo Mass of the Sinulog 2014 at the Pilgrim Center of the Basilica del Sto. Niño..
Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III and wife Jobel and Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama were seen among the thousands of devotees who attended the Mass..
Msgr. Roberto Alesna, officiating priest said that this year’s Sinulog is a celebration of faith set in the backdrop of the calamities in past year and trials that may come this year.
“Faith is a fragile thing but we must not be surprised when doubts arise within us. God will always understand doubts,” Alesna said.
The opening of the Sinulog 2014 kicked off with a three-kilometer parade from basilica passing through Fuente Osmeña circle towards the Cebu City Sports Complex.
Unlike the previous years, the parade had to pass through Magallanes gate near Magellan’s Cross to avoid the damaged belfry.
Sinulog Executive Director Ricky Ballesteros said this year’s celebration will not be hampered by rains and the threat of a low pressure area in the Pacific Ocean developing into a typhoon that may hit the country.